Marlins trades Hanley Ramirez to Dodgers

The Marlins are trading stars, just like they did following their championships in 2003 and 2007. Team president David Samson says this exodus is different.

"A fire sale I guess comes after a World Series victory," he said Wednesday. "I don't know how you would call it a fire sale to trade players of a team that's underperforming so spectacularly. So for us, we are just doing everything we can to win more games."

Former NL batting champion Hanley Ramirez became the latest player to leave, traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with lefthanded reliever Randy Choate for righthander Nathan Eovaldi and minor-league pitcher Scott McGough.

On Monday, the Marlins sent pitcher Anibal Sanchez and infielder Omar Infante to the Detroit Tigers for pitching prospect Jacob Turner and two minor leaguers.

The Marlins are 45-53, 13 1/2 games out of first place and just a half-game above last.

Ramirez, 28, was hitting .246 with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs, far from his big season in 2009 when he hit a league-leading .342 with 24 homers and 106 RBIs.

"I am sad to go," Ramirez said. "This will be always be my home, but it will just be a little different."

Phillies, Hamels agree

Cole Hamels knew the moment he walked off the mound to a standing ovation after allowing five runs in his last start that he was staying with the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Words can't really describe the emotions that you get, and the way the fans were standing and cheering, that was ultimately the deciding point to be here," Hamels said.

He had $144 million other reasons to stay, too.

Hamels signed a six-year contract worth an average of $24 million per season. The deal includes a club vesting option for 2019 and a limited no-trade provision.

Hamels, 28, becomes the third Phillies starter making $20 million per season, joining Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee.

Matsui cut by Rays

Hideki Matsui, 38, was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for infielder Ryan Roberts. Matsui is hitting .147 with two homers and seven RBIs in 95 at-bats. -- AP