Trade Candidate: Aramis Ramirez

[Anno Catuli]

Yesterday was a very busy day in the world of the Chicago Cubs. Before they lost the final game to the Milwaukee Brewers, they traded right fielder Kosuke Fukudome to the Indians, along with roughly $4 Million and in return they got a pair of under achieving minor league prospects. Not a great return on our investment, but in the long run, what did you really expect? The Cubs save close to a million on what is owed, something they can stash away for a rainy day and look towards the future as they play Tyler Colvin everyday to see just how good or bad, he really is. This is something fans have been clamoring for all season, and now they get their wish. However, the trade of Fukudome does not mean that the Cubs are done dealing players, and that means my trade series continues today with another potential trade candidate, third baseman Aramis Ramirez!

For the past few weeks, Ramirez has practically gone from one end of the spectrum to the other as far as being traded is concerned. A few weeks ago, the though of trading him began and ended with him simply saying that he would not approve a trade at all. He wanted to stay here in Chicago and play for the Cubs for the remainder of his career. The main reason, according to what he said, was that he wanted to stay in Chicago for his family. Completely understandable, he earned his right to veto any trade by earning his no trade rights with the 5/10 clause (five years with your current team, and 10 years in the majors). Last week, his agent came out, speaking for Ramirez, and said that the slugging third baseman might consider approving a trade in August once his family returned to the Dominican Republic for the children’s school year. Then we have the reports from yesterday where A-Ram admitted following the loss to the Brewers, that he would consider waiving his no trade rights, even before August. Then late last night the agent for Ramirez said that he was misquoted and still was intent on not waiving his no trade rights. So he has gone full circle in the past week or two. That means anything and everything can happen.

Never before have I seen more of a split in the fan base, than I have these past few weeks with Ramirez. Half the fan base wants to trade him and get some good prospects back for him, while the other half not only wants him to stick around, but want him to be re-signed. Whichever side you are on, I can honestly say that I do not think that you could be wrong. Both sides have a legitimate argument, and both situations make sense.

For those wanting to keep him, you will not find a better third baseman available in the off season than Ramirez. You will not be able to upgrade whatsoever if you chose to trade away the best third baseman we have had since the mid 1970s when the legendary Ron Santo manned the hot corner. Then there is also the argument that the cupboard is practically bare in terms of third base prospects. The talk about Josh Vitters has seem to run dry, and there really is not another potential replacement for Ramirez in the farm system outside of the possibility of Marquez Smith, but his future may very well be as a second baseman. So why not keep Rammy for another year or two, maybe three.

That is where those who wish him to be traded come in. Everything depends on how close the Cubs are to competing for the World Series. If they are within a year or two of competing seriously, then by all means keep Ramirez. However, if not, you will not have a better opportunity to trade him than you have right now. He is hitting the cover off the ball and could bring you a big load of prospects who could be the very cornerstone to any rebuilding project you have in mind. He could easily bring you a young pitcher who is bursting at the seems with talent, or a couple of position players who along with Starlin Castro could finally make all Cub fan’s dreams come true.

If Ramirez is traded, one likely destination could very well be the Anaheim Angels, who have pretty much been the main team perusing him. However, knowing that Ramirez has not been too keen to accept a trade, they may not have made an actual offer, which is why the Cubs have not approached him as of yet. However, with his comments yesterday that could all very well change. With the trade deadline only two days away, the Cubs better act fast if they want to trade him to the highest bidder, assuming he actually approves the trade. After the deadline passes though, he may not be moved. The chances of the team who wants him actually claiming him become slim, and the chance of a deal all hinge on the waiver process.

However, if the Cubs do decide to keep him past the trade deadline, and are unable to move him in August, everything depends on what the Cubs decide to do with his option year. One would think that if they do not try to trade him, that they would want him to comeback for at least another year, or they might turn down the option and see if the are able to renegotiate a new deal or let him walk away.

One way or the other, Ramirez will play a part in the Cubs future.

[Rice Cube]

Letting him walk isn't an option...they have to try to at least snag a draft pick.

[Chris J]

Ramirez is not leaving the Cubs. End of story.

[daddies3angels]

Originally Posted by Chris J

Ramirez is not leaving the Cubs. End of story.

agreed