Hanley Ramirez has one season left on his Los Angeles Dodgers contract, and reports are circulating the infielder and the team are talking about an extention.
An accord wouldn't be surprising. Ramirez made it known in midsummer he would like to stay with the Dodgers.
"Hopefully, I could stay here the rest of my career," he told the Los Angeles Times. "But I can't control that."
Now he can. Talks are under way as Ramirez recovers from an injury-plagued 2012 season. He's at home in the Dominican Republic trying to strengthen his back and finished up recovery from broken ribs in the NL Championship Series. He also tore a thumb ligament in the World Baseball Classic.
Ramirez will be paid $16 million next season. It's the final year of a six-year, $70 million deal he signed with the Miami Marlins, who dumped him in their latest salary and talent purge.
At 29, Ramirez provides a better bat than glove to the Dodgers. He hit .345 with 20 homers and 57 RBIs, and he credits the Dodgers for helping him move on after a sour experience with the Marlins.