I know this was touched on earlier, but it is rearing its head again.
Hanley Ramirez may not be with the Marlins, should they have an opening day in a new stadium.
Samson's response was more like when the concrete dried.
Not a good answer as it relates to shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who had hoped to cash in sooner rather than later. A season shy of arbitration eligibility, Ramirez stands to make another modest salary relative to his career numbers.
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"If they would have offered me $20 million after my first year I would have taken it, but we're not there any more," Ramirez said. "Let's see what happens in spring training. I have my goals and have an idea what my game is worth. I just have to keep working and not think about it."
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If Ramirez maintains his current trajectory, his earnings would explode in similar fashion. Going year-to-year with Ramirez, it's not inconceivable he'll be in line for a salary well north of $15 million by 2011, when the Marlins hope to open a new stadium.
The Marlins have a policy where they don't buyout arbitration years, or at least they won't until they can secure a new revenue stream. This may be good for the bottom line, but it sucks if you are a fan of the team.
The front office has once again stated that the team's payroll will not increase while a new stadium, should it happen, is being constructed.
If they hold to this, Ramirez could be gone after the 2008 season. Now, I don't want this to happen, and I'm guessing you don't want this to happen, but it is a real possibility.
That is, unless, the front office decides it is time to invest in the future of the team.
Don't hold your breath waiting on that to happen.