"It made good business sense," team president Larry Beinfest said about Ramirez's deal. "Few players can impact the game like Hanley. You're talking about a player right now that could be an MVP candidate every year, an All-Star every year."

First baseman Mike Jacobs, second baseman Dan Uggla, right fielder Jeremy Hermida, left fielder Josh Willingham, right-hander Kevin Gregg and left-hander Scott Olsen are among the arbitration eligible players next year.

"Long-term contracts are tough, but Hanley is an elite player and it's a deal that makes sense for him and for us," Samson said. "Larry hasn't come with any others, so I haven't had to say no or talk to Jeffrey and convince him no, but you have to be careful. We cannot afford mistakes."

Ramirez, who is making $439,000 this season, will get $5.5 million in 2009, $7 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2011 -- three arbitration seasons. After that he gets $15 million in 2012, $15.5 million in 2013 and $16 million in 2014.

"We feel that he will outperform his contract," Samson said.

So far, that remains to be seen. In the 10 days since news broke about the six-year, $70 million contract that he signed on May 16, he's on a 6-for-31 clip (.193).

ROYALS 9, MARLINS 3: The Marlins have just one win in their last six games after Sunday's loss. Righty Burke Badenhop has shown no consistency since he was called up last month. He allowed five earned runs in three innings, letting the Royals jump out to an early lead that set the tone for the game. It was his worst start of the year. Mike Jacobs hit his 11th home run.