Ramirez Demands...

[Jntg4]

The Cubs' most productive hitter has put the ball directly in new GM Theo Epstein's court. Three weeks after saying he'd probably played his last game in Chicago, Aramis Ramirez left open the possibility of a return in an interview with the Dominican newspaper El Caribe yesterday (link in Spanish). Nevertheless, the 33-year-old third baseman gave an ultiumatum that left no doubt of his willingness to test the open market.

"I'll head to free agency if they don't give me a contract of several years," Ramirez said. "I'm going to wait and see what the team does. Otherwise, I'm going to leave Chicago."

Despite a slow start in 2010, Ramirez finished the season leading the Cubs in OPS, on-base percentage, and most offensive counting statistics, and he was behind only Carlos Pena in HR and Starlin Castro in hits. Not known as a defensive force, Ramirez's UZR of -10.5 was toward the bottom of the National League, but he dominated nearly every offensive category among senior circuit third basemen and looks even better among those in the 2012 free agent class. Ramirez has previously expressed a desire to finish his career with the Cubs, and keeping him on-board looks like the first test facing Epstein's nascent front office.

Ramirez Demands Multi-Year Deal From Cubs: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

 

[Uman85]

You'll demand nothing!

Now :gtfo:!

 

[Rice Cube]

He won't demand. He will COMMAND that kind of contract on the open market. And at the time of signing, he would probably be worth it. Who knows how he holds up over that term though.

 

[inactiveuser1]

don't do it Theo!

 

[X]

I'd offer him 3/$36 :shrug:

 

[derosabomb]

3/$15.

 

[Captain Obvious]

I'd do at least 3/30. If we could get a 2 year deal, I'd go up to 2/25

 

[Rick]

 

[Lex L.]

I think this is a defining moment for the Cubs. If the Cubs sign Pujols, they should let Ramirez walk. The smart money is on Pujols even if he costs a lot. Thats one of the things that killed me about the Cubs under Hendry. They'd spend a lot of money for next-tier players like Derrek Lee. And when those players had a career year, Hendry wouldnt accept the fact that it probably wouldnt happen again. He did this with Lee and he did it with Dempster. But, again, I'd rather spend money on a metronome of excellence like Pujols.

 

[Captain Obvious]

I think this is a defining moment for the Cubs. If the Cubs sign Pujols, they should let Ramirez walk. The smart money is on Pujols even if he costs a lot. Thats one of the things that killed me about the Cubs under Hendry. They'd spend a lot of money for next-tier players like Derrek Lee. And when those players had a career year, Hendry wouldnt accept the fact that it probably wouldnt happen again. He did this with Lee and he did it with Dempster. But, again, I'd rather spend money on a metronome of excellence like Pujols.

To sign Pujols/Fielder and then not sign Ramirez is just dumb. By signing the big 1B, you're trying to win. Ramirez gives us the best shot at winning.

 

[Lex L.]

To sign Pujols/Fielder and then not sign Ramirez is just dumb. By signing the big 1B, you're trying to win. Ramirez gives us the best shot at winning.

I don't know about that. We might be able to swing a deal for someone like Michael Young. I'm assuming theres a finite amount of money that they want to spend. If, say, their budget is 35 million dollars, it's better to take 30 of that (or whatever) and spend it on Pujols than sign Ramirez and someone else. I don't really have an aversion to Ramirez. If they are willing to pay for both, fine. If its a choice between Pujols and Ramirez, it's not even a choice.

 

[Captain Obvious]

I don't know about that. We might be able to swing a deal for someone like Michael Young. I'm assuming theres a finite amount of money that they want to spend. If, say, their budget is 35 million dollars, it's better to take 30 of that (or whatever) and spend it on Pujols than sign Ramirez and someone else. I don't really have an aversion to Ramirez. If they are willing to pay for both, fine. If its a choice between Pujols and Ramirez, it's not even a choice.

We have about 50 million at least to play with. I think we can reasonable get Pujols, Ramirez, and probably a pitcher. Although I want us to bolster the offense this year, then bolster the staff next year when the FA market is much, much better. I agree that if you can only get one, you get the better player, however, if you can only get one, I think we're better off to just rebuild. I don't want to see a half assed effort. With Theo at the helm, I don't think that'll be a problem, though.

 

[Lex L.]

We have about 50 million at least to play with. I think we can reasonable get Pujols, Ramirez, and probably a pitcher. Although I want us to bolster the offense this year, then bolster the staff next year when the FA market is much, much better. I agree that if you can only get one, you get the better player, however, if you can only get one, I think we're better off to just rebuild. I don't want to see a half assed effort. With Theo at the helm, I don't think that'll be a problem, though.

The problem is that people cant even give Cubs tickets away. The rebuild might actually undermine things. Its not just a matter of implementing player development and all of that. It's also a matter of making the Cubs a marketable commodity again.


BTW, I previously mentioned trading for Michael Young. He makes 16.1 million and theyre starting to shuffle him around. The Rangers might feel they have enough offense to swap Zambrano for Young.

 

[bleacherbum54]

I want no part of Pujols the guy is 32 and wants 200+ million possibly 300m over 10 years please no.

 

[daddies3angels]

Pujols not guy theo will want. Fielder be the guy...only 27..so he can help for next 5-8 years

 

[Captain Obvious]

Fielder certainly fits the mold of what Tommy Boy is looking for.

Lex, (too lazy to quote the post) I think that the ticket problem will be resolved with putting a superstar and Sandberg out there. Although I do love how cheap I can get tickets....

 

[Rick]

I want no part of Pujols the guy is 32 and wants 200+ million possibly 300m over 10 years please no.

Couldn't agree more. The Cubs finally have money coming off the books and it would be stupid as hell to sign someone to a contract that's worse then Alfonso Soriano's. Not comparing Soriano to Pujols but no way do the Cubs want to invest 10 years into a guy that's already in his 30's, like you said.

I still think you need to start with pitching before you take a look anywhere on the roster, just my opinion.