Cubs, Ramirez agree

Phoenix — Third baseman Aramis Ramirez and the Chicago Cubs agreed Monday to a $42 million, four-year contract that includes an option for 2009. Ramirez batted .318 with 36 homers and 103 RBIs last season and would have been eligible to become a free agent at the end of the 2005 season. “It’s a good feeling knowing that I’m going to be here for four more years,” Ramirez said, “and get this over with and just go and play baseball.”

Benson shelved

Cincinnati — The Mets put right-hander Kris Benson on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of a strained chest muscle.

Devil Rays sign Johnson

St. Petersburg, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Devil Rays addressed their need for a backup catcher, signing Charles Johnson to a one-year contract before Monday’s season opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.

38 minor-leaguers suspended for steroids

Seattle — Seattle’s Damian Moss and Ryan Christianson were among 38 players suspended Monday for violating baseball’s minor-league steroids policy, a group that included eight players from the Mariners’ organization.

Oakland’s David Castillo was suspended for 60 games, the penalty for a third violation. All the others were suspended for 15 games, the ban given to first offenders.

Seven of the 38 positives came from the Chicago Cubs organization, five each from the Los Angeles Angels, Oakland and Texas, and four from San Diego. There were two from Colorado and one each from St. Louis and the Chicago White Sox.

Sanchez penalty begins

St. Petersburg, Fla. — Tampa Bay outfielder Alex Sanchez began serving his 10-day suspension for violating baseball’s new policy on performance-enhancing drugs, working out on his own Monday at the team’s minor-league camp. Sanchez became the first player publicly identified for violating the sport’s stricter drug rules Sunday, but insisted he never had used steroids.