"We want to make sure Hanley is rested and ready for the upcoming season and probable invitation to the (World Baseball Classic)," Marlins baseball operations president Larry Beinfest said.

The team has no problem with Ramirez playing for the Dominican team in the WBC, a tournament that will cause him to miss time from the Marlins during spring training.

Ramirez has played winter ball in his native country in past years as part of his offseason conditioning program. But he has established himself as a top player in the major leagues, and he is coming off a season in which he missed action in the last month because of pain in his surgically repaired left shoulder.

The team also wants to protect its investment. Ramirez, 24, signed a six-year, $70 million contract in May.

Ramirez won his first Silver Slugger award, batting .301 with a career-high 33 home runs. He led the majors with 125 runs.

The Marlins also are preparing for two Mexican players -- infielders Jorge Cantu and Alfredo Amezaga -- to spend less time than usual in spring training because of expected participation in the WBC.