Ramirez gets new contract, involved in collision at home in Marlins' win

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- Hanley Ramirez was given a modest raise by the Marlins, then gave Florida a scare when he was involved in a violent collision at home plate.

Florida's star shortstop collided with St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina trying to score from first base in the first inning of a 5-4 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. Ramirez remained on the ground for several minutes before walking off the field with a slight limp. He stayed in the game and went 2-for-4 in six innings.

"Anytime you get a play at the plate like that and he's slow to get up, it puts a little scare in you at first," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

Added Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa: "That was a pretty good collision. As it turns out, we were more concerned about Ramirez."

Before the game, the Marlins renewed Ramirez's contract for 2008 at $439,000. He made 402,000 in 2007 when he hit .332 with 29 home Runs, 81 RBI and 51 stolen bases.

"That's OK," Ramirez said before the game. "Whatever they think I deserve. I don't care."

Ramirez becomes arbitration eligible next season and stands to make a big raise.

"I just want to stay here for my career. If not, whatever," Ramirez said. "I think they treat me good from the bottom all the way to the top. I feel comfortable here."

Cardinals prospect Kyle McClellan started and pitched three scoreless innings. He threw 32 pitches -- only 10 balls -- and retired his final six batters in order, including three strikeouts.

"I just want to build the trust that they can rely on you to give you the ball or to call you up," McClellan said. "I think that's where a lot of that getting overexcited is. If I go out there and I get that opportunity and they say, this kid, he's erratic and his emotions get the best of him, that's going to work against me."

Marlins pitcher Scott Olsen, who moved into No. 1 spot after the trade of Dontrelle Willis, had a strong second outing of the spring. He threw three scoreless innings, allowing only one hit.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)