Aramis Ramirez Contract (was Carroll-Indications of Opt Out)

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I'm not at all surprised, especially considering all the Aramis rumors.

 

Adenhart + McPherson for Aramis (that's overpaying on the Angels end, but oh well).

 

Elbert + LaRoche for Aramis plz.

 

Joel Guzman and LaRoche could be another possibility. If Aram opts out Guzman would/could supply power that would be missing.

 

I'd prefer Elbert over Guzman by a wide margin. Of course, the Dodgers probably don't plan on trading Elbert and aren't too happy with Guzman. I'm nt too enamored with Joel, he hasn't shown the ability to improve his plate discipline.

 

And I don't know that the Dodgers would be interested in parting with young talent after their recent slide.

[Illini Iceman]

I guess it could be true, but seems rather vague. The Cubs have "received some indications"? Like what? Hendy shook his magic 8 ball and to see if he was going to return and it came back "Outlook not so good".? Also, if true, this is a pretty major revelation to have as a throw away line after discussing a possible Maddux trade.

 

Say what you will about Hendry, but he has never lost a player to free agancy off his team that he really wanted to keep. I have some faith that even if this does have some validity Hendry will put something together to extend the deal and satisfy both sides.

[Laura]

It wouldn't make much sense for Aramis *not* to use the opt-out clause as leverage to renegotiate the existing contract, given the year he's having. Guess it depends on whether he wants to stay or not.

[USSoccer]

I hope that's not true...

[erik316wttn]

That is horrible news if true.

 

I can't blame him for wanting to get off of this sinking ship. I'd probably do the same in his situation. Why spend the prime of his career in baseball hell?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

That is horrible news if true.

 

I can't blame him for wanting to get off of this sinking ship. I'd probably do the same in his situation. Why spend the prime of his career in baseball hell?

 

Even if he likes playing for the Cubs and the Cubs were good, opting out would make sense for him (or, as Serena said, threatening to opt out so he can get a better deal). He can get much more on the open market.

[NorthsideAvenger]

I guess it could be true, but seems rather vague. The Cubs have "received some indications"? Like what? Hendy shook his magic 8 ball and to see if he was going to return and it came back "Outlook not so good".? Also, if true, this is a pretty major revelation to have as a throw away line after discussing a possible Maddux trade.

 

Say what you will about Hendry, but he has never lost a player to free agancy off his team that he really wanted to keep. I have some faith that even if this does have some validity Hendry will put something together to extend the deal and satisfy both sides.

 

Agred. Indications don't mean crap. To me this is a business bluff. He knows that Philly now has an opening at 3rd base, and so does SD, and perhaps a few other teams. IMO, all he is doing is trying to bluff his way into a more secure deal. Nothing more/nothing less.

 

And yes, ARAM will be a CUB in 2007.

[A New Era]

I guess it could be true, but seems rather vague. The Cubs have "received some indications"? Like what? Hendy shook his magic 8 ball and to see if he was going to return and it came back "Outlook not so good".? Also, if true, this is a pretty major revelation to have as a throw away line after discussing a possible Maddux trade.

 

Say what you will about Hendry, but he has never lost a player to free agancy off his team that he really wanted to keep. I have some faith that even if this does have some validity Hendry will put something together to extend the deal and satisfy both sides.

 

Agred. Indications don't mean crap. To me this is a business bluff. He knows that Philly now has an opening at 3rd base, and so does SD, and perhaps a few other teams. IMO, all he is doing is trying to bluff his way into a more secure deal. Nothing more/nothing less.

 

And yes, ARAM will be a CUB in 2007.

 

Hopefully so. Because I want to say ARAMABOMB!!

[soccer10k]

The title brings one word to mind: ugh.

 

But as long as were talking potential trades: ARam, Jacque, Walker for ARod.

[DiamondMind]

Ramirez is definitely one of my least favorite Cubs. I severely question his commitment to making himself the best player he can be.

[frostwyrm]

Aramis saw CLee turn down a 4/48 contract. If a bad defensive LF who has never put up a .900 OPS is turning down 4/48 then I can't blame Aram for deciding to play the market.

[RynoRules]

It wouldn't make much sense for Aramis *not* to use the opt-out clause as leverage to renegotiate the existing contract, given the year he's having. Guess it depends on whether he wants to stay or not.

 

Not so sure about that. I think that largely depends on who is looking for a 3B and is willing to shell out $12-14 mill a year for him. Obviously you could argue that both LA teams would, but I wonder about that b/c the Dodgers have a ton of money tied up in Drew, Fural, Lowe, et al., and the Halos have cheaper in-house options. We'll see.

[TB_11]

I have some faith that even if this does have some validity Hendry will put something together to extend the deal and satisfy both sides.

 

Agred. Indications don't mean crap. To me this is a business bluff. He knows that Philly now has an opening at 3rd base, and so does SD, and perhaps a few other teams. IMO, all he is doing is trying to bluff his way into a more secure deal. Nothing more/nothing less.

 

And yes, ARAM will be a CUB in 2007.

 

I agree with post these posts. I wonder how much of it is the belief that he can get more money from a team aside besides the Cubs, and how much is the belief that with the Cubs having significant payroll open up next year Aramis and his agent are looking to get their share.

[CubsInNC]

Rotoworld discusses the idea that Texas and Houston have been discussing a Blalock for Lidge deal. That would net the Astros 3 players at 3B, Huff, Blalock, and Ensberg.

 

Would anyone be interested in the Cubs acquiring Ensberg, if we were able to deal Aramis for other help?

 

Right now Ensberg's value is pretty low in Houston's eyes. Would we be able to get ensberg for say, a prospect that we regard somewhat highly like Hill or Ryu or maybe, Walker and a prospect? Would Aramis net us the outfield bat we want, or the SS/2B rookies/prospects to complete our infield, and free up money for the OF?

[minnesotacubsfan]

Rotoworld discusses the idea that Texas and Houston have been discussing a Blalock for Lidge deal. That would net the Astros 3 players at 3B, Huff, Blalock, and Ensberg.

 

Would anyone be interested in the Cubs acquiring Ensberg, if we were able to deal Aramis for other help?

 

Right now Ensberg's value is pretty low in Houston's eyes. Would we be able to get ensberg for say, a prospect that we regard somewhat highly like Hill or Ryu or maybe, Walker and a prospect? Would Aramis net us the outfield bat we want, or the SS/2B rookies/prospects to complete our infield, and free up money for the OF?

 

I'd do Walker or Hill for Ensberg, thats it. and then I might not do it. Huff would be more palettible to me

[Mark Priors Calves]

If Ramirez opts out, Hendry will have to put together a monster off season for this team to being even close to contention next year. With the down free agent market and inability of Hendry to sign good FA's, I'm cringing already.

[USSoccer]

If Ramirez opts out, Hendry will have to put together a monster off season for this team to being even close to contention next year. With the down free agent market and inability of Hendry to sign good FA's, I'm cringing already.

 

Hopefully Hendry knows this, and will make sure Aramis doesn't go anywhere.

 

I always thought that stupid "opt-out" clause was a bad idea. Let's hope this is much ado about nothing, because you're right. There are maybe 2 players we could trade Ramirez for where we wouldn't be setting outselves up to suck in 2007. He's far too important a player to this team to deal him for prospects we won't be able to develop.

[soccer10k]

Rotoworld discusses the idea that Texas and Houston have been discussing a Blalock for Lidge deal. That would net the Astros 3 players at 3B, Huff, Blalock, and Ensberg.

 

Would anyone be interested in the Cubs acquiring Ensberg, if we were able to deal Aramis for other help?

 

Right now Ensberg's value is pretty low in Houston's eyes. Would we be able to get ensberg for say, a prospect that we regard somewhat highly like Hill or Ryu or maybe, Walker and a prospect? Would Aramis net us the outfield bat we want, or the SS/2B rookies/prospects to complete our infield, and free up money for the OF?

 

I'd do Walker or Hill for Ensberg, thats it. and then I might not do it. Huff would be more palettible to me

 

But then where do we put Ensberg? I wouldn't get rid of ARam to bring in Ensberg. Ensberg will be turning 31 in a month while ARam is just 28. ARam is much more likely to have another 3-4 very good years.

[Dan Da Fan]

what exactly are these indications?

You have to imagine there have been some discussions with Aramis at least, re: 2007.

If Aramis doesn't want to stay, the cubs better start entertaining trade offers now.

It's probably, like most cases, a situation where he just wants more money. Cubs may have to give him a raise...

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Welcome!

[Danny82]

Do you blame him? People calling him out fopr not hustling....

 

God forbid!!!

[hawkeyecub]

Do you blame him? People calling him out fopr not hustling....

 

God forbid!!!

 

No kidding. If people are blaming him for the problems this season, that's different. But if he doesn't hustle he should be called out for it.

[UBlink]

I always thought that stupid "opt-out" clause was a bad idea. Let's hope this is much ado about nothing, because you're right. There are maybe 2 players we could trade Ramirez for where we wouldn't be setting outselves up to suck in 2007. He's far too important a player to this team to deal him for prospects we won't be able to develop.

 

Bad idea for the team - great idea for the player. If he has a bad 2006 he still gets his money for 2007-2008. If he has a good 2006 he can opt out and have a chance at even more and longer money. From the player's perspective it's a great idea. Also, it's a negotiating point. The Cubs didn't just throw it in because they didn't understand how it works. Without the opt-out clause he would have cost more in guaranteed money.

[goonys evil twin]

I always thought that stupid "opt-out" clause was a bad idea. Let's hope this is much ado about nothing, because you're right. There are maybe 2 players we could trade Ramirez for where we wouldn't be setting outselves up to suck in 2007. He's far too important a player to this team to deal him for prospects we won't be able to develop.

 

Bad idea for the team - great idea for the player. If he has a bad 2006 he still gets his money for 2007-2008. If he has a good 2006 he can opt out and have a chance at even more and longer money. From the player's perspective it's a great idea. Also, it's a negotiating point. The Cubs didn't just throw it in because they didn't understand how it works. Without the opt-out clause he would have cost more in guaranteed money.

 

Or may have gone to free agency after 2005.

[Laura]

Paul Sullivan in The Trib[/url]"] The Cubs weren't worried about an Internet report that said the organization has received "indications" Aramis Ramirez will opt to become a free agent in November, though the possibility exists Ramirez could leave.

 

"He can renegotiate or become a free agent," Ramirez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said Tuesday night from Cincinnati. "It would take something drastic to make him leave. He's comfortable. We haven't even talked about that yet." ...

 

It's likely Ramirez will try to renegotiate his deal because he could command more money on the open market. Despite his slow start, Ramirez likely will finish with more than 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. He leads all National League third basemen with a .972 fielding percentage and could be in line for his first Gold Glove.

 

But Ramirez can opt out of the contract and become a free agent after this season, and could cash in if he does.

 

Ramirez declined an interview request Tuesday. When he signed the deal on Opening Day 2005, Ramirez said of the opt-out clause: "That's just an option, but I don't think I'm going to exercise that. I want to be a Cub for the rest of my life."

 

However, Ramirez is apparently upset he received too much of the blame for this year's downfall after Derrek Lee's injury. Baserunning criticism also rankled Ramirez, whose relationship with manager Dusty Baker runs hot and cold.