Countdown to July 31st: Aramis Ramirez
A "Baseball official" said that Maddux won't be traded for prospects, according to CubsNet.com. He would only be traded for a proven veteran. Well, of course. We have to compete next year...with the Pirates
...for last place.
Aramis Ramirez
Reason to Trade: He has the option to become a free agent after this year and he probably will. This will likely cause a conflict between his perceived worth (in his head) and how much Hendry offers (given a down year). Most likely scenario: Hendry blows it and we are left with Nevin at third...and I drown myself in the dishwasher. If the Cubs trade him, there is a pretty good chance to get a ton in return (although I doubt as much as he's worth, unless he agrees to renegotiate an extention). Besides, he rarely sprints to first on a popup.
Reason not to trade: I've heard that every time Aramis trots to first, an angel gets it's wings. The Cubs need all the karma they can get.
How many third basemen are as good as Aramis? How many of them have just turned 28? I know people are all pissed that he tanked after Lee went down, but that just means he's not a #1 guy. Luckily, the Cubs have one of those. Aramis is a rare talent and talent is not easy to replace. The Cubs have to think long and hard before letting him go...no matter how often he trots to first.
Reason he won't be traded: When was the last time the Cubs traded one of their stars? Has it ever happened? Hendry will almost certianly just do nothing and let Aramis turn free agent, make a "competative bid," and lose out to a real team. Or, you know, he'll be traded for A-Rod. Whichever.
PJ
No way Aramis becomes a FA in his worst year with his Cubs. No way does he get the money on the FA market that the Cubs have already earmarked for him.
bj1234568
A trade that makes a lot of sense for both sides would be an Aramis Ramirez for Bobby Abreu deal, strait-up. Of course, there would be hurdles to clear like buying out Ramirez's option and guaranteeing another year for Abreu, but with David Bell's contract coming off the books and the depth in the Phillie outfield a trade like this makes a ton of sense.
From the Cubs perspective, the team would get a legitimate rightfielder enabling Jacque Jones to move back to left field. They would get a guy who is in the top 5 in the league in on base skill, leading the NL in walks this season. Furthermore, Abreu's lefthanded bat is the key for a balanced '07 lineup that could end up resembling this:
1. SS Lugo (RH)
2. CF Pierre (LH)
3. 1B Lee (RH)
4. RF Abreu (LH)
5. C Barrett (RH)
6. LF Jones (LH)
7. 3B Moore (LH)
8. 2B Cedeno (RH)
That is a pretty balanced, competitive lineup.
Byron
Did I miss something? Who is Moore?
The name Scott Moore sounds vaguely familiar... but I don't know anything about him.
Mike D.
Byron:
http://www.goatriders.org/archives/2006/03/sunday_prospect.html
Jason:
I've been trying to e-mail you. The goatrider e-mail came back, and then I sent one to GraceandWayne@gmail.com. Do you check this?
Do you have a better e-mail? If so, let me know asap. You can e-mail me at huecub@yahoo.com
Jason R.
Hey Mike -
sorry about that, I'll go check my e-mail
-Jason
Jason R.
PJ -
You might be right, but I'm not so sure. Depends on who his agent is. He is only make 10 million a year and I'm not so sure he coldn't make more in a thin free agent year.
You are probably right though. I'm probably just being pessimistic.