Aramis Ramirez Officially Returning in 2011

[Cubswin11]

Not anything ground breaking, it was pretty well known he was going to return. But good to know it's official.

 

Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez informed the team on Wednesday that he has declined the option in his contract to become a free agent and will return to the Cubs in 2011.

 

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/2655/ramirez-declines-free-agency-will-return

[Clem Fandango]

The title led me to believe that Ramirez was declining a player option to return to the team and instead become a free agent, though it's still 100% accurate. :-)

[UMFan83]

The title led me to believe that Ramirez was declining a player option to return to the team and instead become a free agent, though it's still 100% accurate. :-)

 

Same here actually. I had to read it a second time.

[Outshined_One]

The title led me to believe that Ramirez was declining a player option to return to the team and instead become a free agent, though it's still 100% accurate. :-)

 

Same here actually. I had to read it a second time.

 

Ditto. Changed the title accordingly.

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=639&position=3B

 

Beltre turned down his option to return to Boston. Would you sign him to play third and move Aramis to 1st?

[Guest]

I think my preference in that situation would be to sign Dunn and find a taker for Ramirez. Like in a deal for Matt Kemp. And then trade away Byrd to fill in some gaps(say to Minnesota for Capps, Casilla, and a prospect). You're left with:

 

Kosuke

Kemp

Dunn

Soto

Beltre

Soriano

Castro

DeWitt/Casilla

 

Dempster, Zambrano, Wells, Gorzelanny, Cashner

 

Marmol/Marshall/Capps/Grabow/Russell/pick 2 from AAAA

 

 

I've got to stop doing this, my imagination runs too wild this time of year.

[jersey cubs fan]

Hendry said today that Colvin is an everyday player. I assume that means with the Cubs.

[Guest]

Hendry said today that Colvin is an everyday player. I assume that means with the Cubs.

 

Well he's probably not trading Marlon Byrd for a Matt Capps-centered package either, never mind trading Ramirez for Matt Kemp. This is why I need to stop doing this.

[MSG T]

Hendry said today that Colvin is an everyday player. I assume that means with the Cubs.

 

So does that officially signal Kosuke's already played his last game for the Cubs, whether it makes sense or not?

[KingCubsFan]

Hendry said today that Colvin is an everyday player. I assume that means with the Cubs.

And he's one step closer to losing his job...

[NCCubFan]

It could be that Hendry was just making a general statement that Colvin is an everyday-caliber player as opposed to actually saying that he'd play every day for the 2011 Cubs.

[shnsajax]

It could be that Hendry was just making a general statement that Colvin is an everyday-caliber player as opposed to actually saying that he'd play every day for the 2011 Cubs.

 

Especially if he is looking to trade him.

[jersey cubs fan]

It could be that Hendry was just making a general statement that Colvin is an everyday-caliber player as opposed to actually saying that he'd play every day for the 2011 Cubs.

 

It could be, and if he traded him this offseason I would be very impressed with his newfound ability to play chess. But the Cubs are the quintessential telegraph what you are going to do organization and they have made it abundantly clear that Fukudome is gone.

[SCCubbieFAN]

It could be that Hendry was just making a general statement that Colvin is an everyday-caliber player as opposed to actually saying that he'd play every day for the 2011 Cubs.

 

It could be, and if he traded him this offseason I would be very impressed with his newfound ability to play chess. But the Cubs are the quintessential telegraph what you are going to do organization and they have made it abundantly clear that Fukudome is gone.

 

True, but since this is Fukudome's last year, would you rather they hold on to him and try to resign him or stick with a cheaper version in Colvin, despite Fukudome being the better player?

[jersey cubs fan]

It could be that Hendry was just making a general statement that Colvin is an everyday-caliber player as opposed to actually saying that he'd play every day for the 2011 Cubs.

 

It could be, and if he traded him this offseason I would be very impressed with his newfound ability to play chess. But the Cubs are the quintessential telegraph what you are going to do organization and they have made it abundantly clear that Fukudome is gone.

 

True, but since this is Fukudome's last year, would you rather they hold on to him and try to resign him or stick with a cheaper version in Colvin, despite Fukudome being the better player?

 

Colvin is not a cheaper version of Fukudome. He's the complete opposite. I would much rather just hold onto Fukudome than pay him to play elsewhere or take on somebody else's contract. If/when Fukudome is traded, this team's only real patient hitter is gone. Soto will be the only one who is actually patient, and he'll only play 125 games. This organizatio's offense has sucked for almost the entire decade. The only time it didn't suck is when it was briefly among the most patient in baseball. The outfield is going to make a lot of outs, and so will most of the infield.

[SCCubbieFAN]

It could be that Hendry was just making a general statement that Colvin is an everyday-caliber player as opposed to actually saying that he'd play every day for the 2011 Cubs.

 

It could be, and if he traded him this offseason I would be very impressed with his newfound ability to play chess. But the Cubs are the quintessential telegraph what you are going to do organization and they have made it abundantly clear that Fukudome is gone.

 

True, but since this is Fukudome's last year, would you rather they hold on to him and try to resign him or stick with a cheaper version in Colvin, despite Fukudome being the better player?

 

Colvin is not a cheaper version of Fukudome. He's the complete opposite. I would much rather just hold onto Fukudome than pay him to play elsewhere or take on somebody else's contract. If/when Fukudome is traded, this team's only real patient hitter is gone. Soto will be the only one who is actually patient, and he'll only play 125 games. This organizatio's offense has sucked for almost the entire decade. The only time it didn't suck is when it was briefly among the most patient in baseball. The outfield is going to make a lot of outs, and so will most of the infield.

 

You misunderstood my question gooney. Fuku will be a FA after this year. So would you rather keep him and then sign him to another contract or trade him and go with Colvin who is cheaper but a lesser player?

[Sammy Sofa]

Why not wait to trade Fukudome closer to the deadline?

[jersey cubs fan]

You misunderstood my question gooney. Fuku will be a FA after this year. So would you rather keep him and then sign him to another contract or trade him and go with Colvin who is cheaper but a lesser player?

 

I'm not sure what I misunderstood but I think I made it clear I'd rather stick with Fukudome this year than pay him to play elsewhere and/or take back somebody else's contract and playing an out machine in Colvin. The decision on another contract can wait until next year depending on how the team looks.

[SCCubbieFAN]

You misunderstood my question gooney. Fuku will be a FA after this year. So would you rather keep him and then sign him to another contract or trade him and go with Colvin who is cheaper but a lesser player?

 

I'm not sure what I misunderstood but I think I made it clear I'd rather stick with Fukudome this year than pay him to play elsewhere and/or take back somebody else's contract and playing an out machine in Colvin. The decision on another contract can wait until next year depending on how the team looks.

 

Fair enough. My question wasn't clear. IF you could trade Fuku and get decent value for him and/or not have to pay the remainder of his salary, would you do that or would you instead trade Colvin and try to re-sign Fuku after this season?

[jersey cubs fan]

You misunderstood my question gooney. Fuku will be a FA after this year. So would you rather keep him and then sign him to another contract or trade him and go with Colvin who is cheaper but a lesser player?

 

I'm not sure what I misunderstood but I think I made it clear I'd rather stick with Fukudome this year than pay him to play elsewhere and/or take back somebody else's contract and playing an out machine in Colvin. The decision on another contract can wait until next year depending on how the team looks.

 

Fair enough. My question wasn't clear. IF you could trade Fuku and get decent value for him and/or not have to pay the remainder of his salary, would you do that or would you instead trade Colvin and try to re-sign Fuku after this season?

 

I'm not sure why resigning Fukudome has to be part of the equation. I'd hold onto Fukudome, play him this year, and depending on how that goes and how the team is looking next October/November consider an extension for him. Or maybe just let him walk. If I could trade Fukudome for a valuable asset, I'd consider that. If I could trade Colvin for a valuable asset, I'd consider that. My preference would be to not have Colvin replace Fukudome in the lineup this year because it is going to result in a lot more outs being made a lot more frequently.

[TheVolCub08]

I just don't understand why Hendry wouldn't look to deal ARam to Boston now. They have no 3B in place, are in a place to win now, and have the payroll to take on ARam.

 

ARam for Lars Anderson and Jed Lowrie, and officially take some time to rebuild. Even if we hold onto ARam and sign Dunn, the Cubs are looking at 4th place in the Central in 2011, maybe 3rd. Why spend the money on guys who help you be a mediocre team?

[jersey cubs fan]

I just don't understand why Hendry wouldn't look to deal ARam to Boston now. They have no 3B in place, are in a place to win now, and have the payroll to take on ARam.

 

ARam for Lars Anderson and Jed Lowrie, and officially take some time to rebuild. Even if we hold onto ARam and sign Dunn, the Cubs are looking at 4th place in the Central in 2011, maybe 3rd. Why spend the money on guys who help you be a mediocre team?

 

There's no reason this team can't win in the high 80's and contend in the NL central next year. And there is not justification to just give up on 2011. Ramirez can also block any deal, which he would almost certainly do at least in an effort to get a new contract. So it's not so easy.

[SouthSideRyan]

And the Red Sox wouldn't make that trade.

[davell]

The thing to remember now though, is IF Aramis is dealt, his 2012 option becomes guananteed and he gets a million dollar assignment bonus as well. So, an extra 17 mill for one season could very well be enough to make Aramis waive his 10-5 rights.

 

That said, Boston wouldn't give up anything close to that AND pay his salary as well.

[Geech]

There's no reason this team can't win in the high 80's and contend in the NL central next year. And there is not justification to just give up on 2011. Ramirez can also block any deal, which he would almost certainly do at least in an effort to get a new contract. So it's not so easy.

 

Where do you think this team gains 10+ wins?