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

[Ding Dong Johnson]

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.

 

Another at 5/65?

[CubsBullsBears]

I don't blame Aramis for wanting to. Adrian Beltre has a 5 yea 64M deal, Ramirez has better numbers than him, I would do it. Yes, I know Beltre chased in on a monster season, but even w/ that, Ramirez has had better #'s than Beltre.

[Brian]

whose relationship with manager Dusty Baker runs hot and cold.

 

But I thought everybody loved good ole Dusty?????????

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

I don't blame Aramis for wanting to. Adrian Beltre has a 5 yea 64M deal, Ramirez has better numbers than him, I would do it. Yes, I know Beltre chased in on a monster season, but even w/ that, Ramirez has had better #'s than Beltre.

 

Beltre signed that contract immediately after this career season.......

 

AVG .334

OBP .388

SLG .629

OPS 1.017

HR 48

 

His career year came at the right moment for him. His other 8 seasons don't resemble those numbers.

 

Aramis has not put up those numbers.

 

Beltre was given his contract solely on that season. No one took into account what he had done previously.

[CubsBullsBears]

Well if I'm Aramis or his agent, I say look, Adrain Beltre is being paid 13M to do this. I have done this. I should get at least 15M.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Well if I'm Aramis or his agent, I say look, Adrain Beltre is being paid 13M to do this. I have done this. I should get at least 15M.

 

That's not how the market works and his agent knows that.

 

Everyone knows Beltre is horribly overpaid and is not the norm for top thirdbaseman contracts.

[imb]

If Aramis wins a gold glove they should just stop doing those all together.

 

Come to think of it, they should really just stop doing those all together.

[C.C.]

It would be a major blow if he opts out after this year. Does anyone know what date he needs to notify the Cubs he is opting out of this contract?

[goonys evil twin]

It would be a major blow if he opts out after this year. Does anyone know what date he needs to notify the Cubs he is opting out of this contract?

 

It won't be a blow if he opts out, it would be if he opts out and signs elsewhere. It's not like the Cubs couldn't resign him (unless I'm mistaken and there's a clause that says as soon as he opts out the Cubs can no longer sign him). I'm almost positive he will opt out. I've felt all along he could easily get better than a 2/22 deal this offseason, and because of that he'd be a food not to opt out. The question is would he accept 4/44, and all Hendry has to do is add a couple years, or does he want something like 5/65, where you have to add money and years. From what Aramis and his agent have said, I'm guessing he could be locked up just by adding a couple years (ballplayers live for longterm deals) and a couple bucks.

[SouthSideRyan]

I don't blame Aramis for wanting to. Adrian Beltre has a 5 yea 64M deal, Ramirez has better numbers than him, I would do it. Yes, I know Beltre chased in on a monster season, but even w/ that, Ramirez has had better #'s than Beltre.

 

Seriously do you just copy and paste this everytime Aramis's name is mentioned?

[C.C.]

It would be a major blow if he opts out after this year. Does anyone know what date he needs to notify the Cubs he is opting out of this contract?

 

It won't be a blow if he opts out, it would be if he opts out and signs elsewhere. It's not like the Cubs couldn't resign him (unless I'm mistaken and there's a clause that says as soon as he opts out the Cubs can no longer sign him). I'm almost positive he will opt out. I've felt all along he could easily get better than a 2/22 deal this offseason, and because of that he'd be a food not to opt out. The question is would he accept 4/44, and all Hendry has to do is add a couple years, or does he want something like 5/65, where you have to add money and years. From what Aramis and his agent have said, I'm guessing he could be locked up just by adding a couple years (ballplayers live for longterm deals) and a couple bucks.

 

He'd be stupid not to opt and get more money and years from the Cubs. With the lack of 3rd basemen on the market, I can see some teams throwing some big $$$ at him. He can get 13-14 per year...

[frostwyrm]

I'm not sure Beltre's contract is the most relevant anymore. CLee's declined 4/48 offer should have a lot of influence. Aram can legitimately claim to be worth a lot more than CLee, and CLee himself can get more than 4/48.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm not sure Beltre's contract is the most relevant anymore. CLee's declined 4/48 offer should have a lot of influence. Aram can legitimately claim to be worth a lot more than CLee, and CLee himself can get more than 4/48.

 

I don't understand this point. Why would CLee's declined offer have anymore influence than Beltre's signed contract?

[jjgman21]

the realization I think we can all agree on....

 

Hendry cannot play his usual wait and see game on this one. he needs to be proactive. extend his contract right now. 4/48 with incentives that can bring him upto 15M per year.

[frostwyrm]

I'm not sure Beltre's contract is the most relevant anymore. CLee's declined 4/48 offer should have a lot of influence. Aram can legitimately claim to be worth a lot more than CLee, and CLee himself can get more than 4/48.

 

I don't understand this point. Why would CLee's declined offer have anymore influence than Beltre's signed contract?

A) Beltre's deal was based on a season much better than Aram's best.

B) Beltre's deal is looking like an embarrassing disaster for his team.

C) It was 2 years ago.

 

For these reasons, if I were Aram's agent I might want to de-emphasize Beltre during negotiations and talk about other subjects.

[mul21]

I would have no problem giving Aram a 4/50 or 4/52 if that's what it takes to get the deal done. He's worth it and there aren't any options out there that are as good or better. I almost actually hope he opts out so the Cubs can lock him up longer before the market for him gets more expensive than it already is.

[oldcubsfan]

ARam's agent is coming to town to talk to Hendry. I think an extension will be coming before the end of the season.

[Laura]

Paul Sullivan in The Trib[/url]"] Aramis Ramirez disputed an Internet report that said he was considering opting out of his contract at the end of the season to become a free agent.

 

"I've never said I want to leave," Ramirez said before Wednesday night's game was rained out and rescheduled as part of a Thursday doubleheader. "It is an option, but that doesn't mean I want to leave."

 

Ramirez said he expected the Cubs to meet with his agent, Paul Kinzer, to discuss a renegotiation of the final two years of his four-year deal, which pays him $22.5 million in 2007 and 2008. Ramirez had an out clause built into the contract after the '06 season, giving him the opportunity to renegotiate with the Cubs or become a free agent.

 

Ramirez maintained if he does decide to open up negotiations, it does not suggest he would leave Chicago.

 

"That's different," Ramirez said. "There is a chance we can renegotiate, but that doesn't mean I don't want to stay here. My family lives here and likes it, and I've bought a place here."

 

"As far as my relationship with Dusty, I want Dusty to come back here next year and manage," he said. ...

 

Ramirez said Wednesday he and Baker never have had any communication problems. ...

 

Was he upset with the criticism of his baserunning?

 

"He may be upset with me, but it was never me being upset with Dusty," Ramirez said. "I'm not the best baserunner. I've made mistakes on the bases. He has a reason to be upset with me, but I've never had a reason to be upset with Dusty."

[soccer10k]

Does anyone else think ARam coming back could hinge on whether Dusty Baker comes back?

[NorthsideAvenger]

I'm not sure Beltre's contract is the most relevant anymore. CLee's declined 4/48 offer should have a lot of influence. Aram can legitimately claim to be worth a lot more than CLee, and CLee himself can get more than 4/48.

 

I don't know if Lee is going to get more then 4 and 48. He MAY have to wait till January or so and/or wait to see what guys like Sheffield and Soriano will do as free agents. Not to mention they'll prolly be some decent OF talent COULD (not saying will, but could) be available, like Andru Jones, Pat Burrell, Jermaine Dye, etc. So, I don't know if Carlos Lee is going to get what he THINKS he's worth. My guess is Lee is going to settle for something a little more then the 4 and 48, perhaps 4 and 52-55 mill.

[Banedon]

Does anyone else think ARam coming back could hinge on whether Dusty Baker comes back?

 

His relationship is running hot right now... :wink:

[Wheelimus]

I'm betting that they just tack on another year or two to ARam's deal and he stays...

[thedaymen]

Does anyone else think ARam coming back could hinge on whether Dusty Baker comes back?

 

His relationship is running hot right now... :wink:

 

If ARAM leaves if Dusty leaves, I say bye bye ARAM.

[David]

Does anyone else think ARam coming back could hinge on whether Dusty Baker comes back?

 

His relationship is running hot right now... :wink:

 

If ARAM leaves if Dusty leaves, I say bye bye ARAM.

 

I hate to say it, but as much as I dislike Dusty...(and I REALLY REALLY hate him, as a manager, at least) I'm not sure if I could say that. Terrible managers will lose you games, to an extent (and I think Dusty might just be pushing the envelope on that), but not nearly as many as a lack of talent will.

 

If we lose Aramis, our offense and our 3B position (not many out there) is REALLY screwed.

[Butterscup1679666578]

Does anyone else think ARam coming back could hinge on whether Dusty Baker comes back?

 

His relationship is running hot right now... :wink:

 

If ARAM leaves if Dusty leaves, I say bye bye ARAM.

 

I completely disagree, but that's because I feel that Hendry is just going to hire someone equally as bad (hello Lou Piniella.)