PHOENIX — In the clubhouse a day before position players were scheduled to report for spring training, Hanley Ramirez said Wednesday he wanted to be “a Dodger for life.”

But Ramirez otherwise declined to talk about his contractual status, saying with a smile, “I’m a baseball player.”

Ramirez said he was still disappointed with how the Dodgers’ 2013 season ended. Struck by a fastball, Ramirez fractured a rib in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. He could barely swing the bat for the remainder of the series, which the Dodgers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

“What can you do?” Ramirez said.


As for the upcoming season, he said, “There’s one goal: Win a championship.”

Ramirez said he received treatment on his back over the winter. A nerve problem in his back was believed to be responsible for his hamstring problems last season.

Ramirez said his back already feels better.

“I feel stronger,” Ramirez said.


Ramirez wouldn’t predict how many games he would play this season.

“You have to ask that question to God,” Ramirez said.