CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Venezuelan police rescued Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos on Friday, two days after he was kidnapped, officials announced.
Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami said on state television that Ramos was "safe and sound" and that he was rescued by police. He said three men were arrested in the kidnapping.
Information Minister Andres Izarra initially reported the rescue via Twitter, saying Ramos was "found alive by security forces in mountainous zone," in the area of Montalban in central Carabobo state.
Izarra said it was "a rescue operation by air," which was authorized earlier in the day by President Hugo Chavez. "Ramos free!," said one message on Izarra's account.
El Aissami gave few details of the rescue and said police were taking Ramos to his hometown of Valencia, about 90 miles (150 kilometers) west of Caracas.
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Ramos' mother celebrated, exclaiming on television: "Thanks to God!"
"Thanks to my country, to my neighbors and to my family, who were supporting us," she said. Shortly afterward, she spoke with her son by phone and said jubilantly: "He's fine."
Florida Marlins change name
MIAMI (AP) -- Hanley Ramirez is the first player to receive applause as a Miami Marlin.
The shortstop emerged from the back of the stage Friday night, wearing a grin and a new uniform, arms raised as he basked in cheers.
The franchise founded in 1993 as the Florida Marlins officially changed its name in a ceremony at the team's new ballpark. The Marlins also unveiled a new logo, new uniforms and new colors -- orange, blue, black and yellow.
Papelbon, Phils agree at $50M
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Jonathan Papelbon can do his Irish Jig on Broad Street.
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A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the Philadelphia Phillies and Papelbon have agreed to a $50 million, four-year contract that's the largest ever for a reliever. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the deal had not yet been announced and is subject to Papelbon passing a physical.
Papelbon, who turns 31 on Nov. 23, had 219 saves over seven seasons with the Boston Red Sox, including 31 this year, when he made $12 million. He will replace Ryan Madson, who also is a free agent.
The previous high for relievers had been $47 million, with B.J. Ryan agreeing to a five-year contract with Toronto before the 2006 season and Joe Nathan getting a four-year deal from Minnesota in March 2008.
Madson's agent, Scott Boras, and Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. were close to a $44 million, four-year deal on Monday.
But the person familiar with Papelbon's deal said Amaro told Boras the following day that team president Dave Montgomery wouldn't approve the deal. That offer included a vesting option that would have taken the contract to $57 million over five years.
The Phillies have long been opposed to giving pitchers contracts beyond three years. They made an exception last year when they signed left-hander Cliff Lee to a $120 million, five-year deal.
