"The Rays say they don't like going to arbitration hearings, but they definitely have the routine down.

Friday's ruling that they prevailed over right-hander Jeff Niemann extended their record to 5-0 under executive vice president Andrew Friedman and 6-0 overall.

Niemann, who was 11-7 with a 4.06 ERA in 23 games last season and spent six weeks on the disabled list with a back strain, will make $2.75 million this season. He sought $3.2 million.

The Rays went to a hearing with Niemann when the sides couldn't resolve "philosophical" differences by the Jan. 17 deadline to exchange figures. The Rays settled in time with their five other arbitration-eligible players: centerfielder B.J. Upton ($7 million), left-handers David Price ($4.35 million) and J.P. Howell ($1.35 million), and right-handers Joel Peralta ($2.175 million) and Burke Badenhop ($1.075 million).

"We're happy to have this process behind us so we can focus all of our attention on getting ready for the season," Friedman said.

Niemann did not respond to messages seeking comment; he said after the Jan. 17 end of negotiations he would withhold comment until there was a resolution. The Rays have an excess of starters, with either Niemann or Wade Davis considered most likely to go if the team makes a trade."