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Ramirez, Dodgers Finally Agree On 2-Year Deal

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The Associated Press

Published: March 5, 2009

LOS ANGELES - The dawn of a rainy late-winter day brought a breakthrough in the stalemate between Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During a 6 a.m. meeting Wednesday at the Malibu beach house of Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, the sides reached a preliminary agreement on a $45 million, two-year contract.

Ramirez gets $25 million this year and has until November to decide whether to void the second season, which calls for a $20 million salary. The deal includes a full no-trade provision, and some of the salary will be deferred.

A-Rod Comments Cause A Ripple

KISSIMMEE - Johnny Damon is taking Alex Rodriguez's latest remarks in stride, while Derek Jeter is staying silent.

Rodriguez caused a stir after playing for the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, saying he would like to see Mets shortstop Jose Reyes at the top of the Yankees batting order.

"I wish he was leading off on our team and playing on our team," Rodriguez said. "That's fun to watch, any time you have that type of speed. We have a guy in Brett Gardner. That'll be fun. That's probably the most fun you can have - watching a guy like that run."

Rodriguez said he wasn't disrespecting his New York Yankees teammates.

"Everything that comes out of Alex's mouth now days is going to be scrutinized," Damon said before the Yankees played the Atlanta Braves.

INDIANS: Kerry Wood reported no problems with his aching back after pitching batting practice for the first time, and Cleveland's new closer appears to be on track to start the season with the club.

METS: Ace Johan Santana threw 46 pitches off a mound in his most ambitious and productive bullpen session, and made it clear he wants to start for New York on April 6 in Cincinnati despite concerns about his elbow.

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