Martinez Remains a Dodger for Three Years, $15 Million

Free-agent pitcher Ramon Martinez, romanced by the Florida Marlins, rejected their advances Thursday and re-signed with the Dodgers.

Martinez, who pitched the only no-hitter in the major leagues last season, became the highest-paid pitcher in Dodger history by signing a three-year contract for about $15 million with an option for the 1999 season.

“I really think with the signing of Ramon, we have put our pitching staff in excellent position,” said Fred Claire, executive vice president. “We have our two bookends. We have an experienced starter in Ramon and our closer in Todd Worrell.

“Now, we can focus on shortstop and third base.”

Claire met Thursday with Toronto General Manager Gord Ash and talked about third baseman Ed Sprague. Sprague, 28, a solid defensive third baseman, batted .244 with 18 homers and 74 runs batted in last season.

Martinez, the only Dodger signed to a guaranteed contract past 1996, has been with the organization since 1984.

“I’m happy here and comfortable here,” said Martinez, who has led the Dodgers in victories in four of the last six years and was 17-7 with a 3.66 earned-run average last season. “I was confident we could get a deal.”