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May 13--Ramirez deal sends right message
Now there is one less excuse for South Floridians looking for reasons not to support the Marlins. Oh, they'll still whine about the heat and the rain and the break-up of the 1997 World Series champions, but cross off the list the excuse that reads: "Team won't commit money to young players."
How does a $70 million commitment sound? Actually, the soon-to-be-official contract for shortstop Hanley Ramirez, reportedly at $70 million for six years, may be a bargain. Already a budding superstar at 24, he is one of the big reasons the Marlins have been the surprise team in baseball this year, still in first place in the National League East.
More importantly, ownership has made a woeful habit of getting rid of young players. Now, with a new stadium on the horizon, the team is sending a message to the community that it is committed to keeping the best young players in Marlin uniforms. Hopefully, it's a trend that continues.
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