he doesn’t come back. If he doesn’t, Marquez Smith will probably get a good chance to win the starting job in ST.

Maybe the Cubs should try him at first?

If he doesn’t come back, i can picture him going to AL and finishing up with a HOF career.

but him walking could help the cubs a lot in salary relief.

something when your own star is really skeptical about the direction of the team.

I really think he’s not sure.

He won’t get anywhere near 16 million so he would be willing to sacrifice money to play for what he believed would be a contender. Not holding my breath.

I’ve been a fan of ARam since the march to the playoffs in ’03 when he was Mr. Clutch.

Yet, like much of that team – and even the teams of 2007/2008 – He never quite lived up to his promise. He’s been injured easily and often, caught loafing too many times to recount, and weak in coming through when it really counts (save for the occasional walk-off hit/HR).

From this article, it seems clear that he a) is fully aware that he’s physically declining and only has so much baseball left in him, or b) doesn’t have the same drive and desire to play baseball anymore, particularly on a team that’s rebuilding. Of course, it could also be BOTH.

In any case, I did find it interesting that he mentioned second base, especially given that DeWitt has been such a good acquisition (and is much better than Fontenot, Baker or whomever else they could’ve put in there). It almost makes me think that he’s looking for reasons to not be hopeful (not that he has to look very far, mind you).

At the same time, I also think back to the reports earlier in the year regarding the clubhouse division, on which he was supposedly on one side. I wonder if these comments may be an outflow of that, or at least echo it in some way (assuming, of course, that those rumors were true).

In the end, I can only say “thanks Rammy…there were some magical times – especially early on in your Cub career. But enjoy your next stop, wherever that may be.”

the free agent market for third baseman is just awful. The only one that will command serious money is Beltre. Aramis plays at a premium position and his #s since the break have been fantastic.

This is just talk.

I don’t know why he would need to worry! He is an amazing hustling player who always gives 100%!!!!!!!

we would be good, but Smith would be the only real option unless we went and signed someone.

…how many millions Ramirez is willing to eat to leave the Cubs. Whether he bolts or stays may depend on which direction the Cubs will take. I imagine Ramirez will want some hint of the Cubs intended direction from Hendry for 2011 before Ramirez makes a decision. If Ramirez decides to leave, I’d be willing to bet Hendry has told him the Cubs will be rebuilding for 2011.

A month or so ago Ramirez seemed to be indicating that he wished to spend the rest of his career here. Things can obviously change quickly. He has looked so frustrated at times I wouldn’t be suprised if he passes on the money in order to play for a contender.

Aramis is Hendry’s boy.

maybe he having an off year. If he can dedicate himseflf to some phyisical program, I think he is still young enough to contribute for a full season. He is not going anywhere. NO one walks away from millions of dollars, no one.

14M for two years with his history of injuries, his age and the economic times we live in.

I could see Rami getting more money guaranteed by opting out. Right now he’s due the $14.5 for next year and a $2 M buyout for 2012. Given the dearth of free agent 3B in this year’s class, it wouldn’t be unheard of for some GM to give him three years at $12M per year, guaranteeing him 36 instead of 16.5.

Even at 10M per year that deal would make sense for Ramirez if he has doubts about his own ability to hold up next year and earn a legit contract in the 2011/12 offseason.

If Steve Phillips was still in the game this would happen. Now? Maybe…

His apparent insistence on remaining in the middle of the lineup while injured helped kill this season early. Now he’s back to tease Hendry with that option once again, baiting us with padded stats piled-up in meaningless games.

Ramírez has lost a step and is injury-prone. If Ramírez stays, the Cubs would be wise to look for a backup who could play 3B and hit well full time if necessary.
On the other hand, Ramírez bat is still there, as demonstrated in the last weeks. The problem is when he’s not healthy, which is too often.

I think he could get a 3 year deal at around 12 million per year. He is right there with Adrian Beltre as the only 3B options worth having on the FA market this year or next. If Bautista can replicate his year this year next year, he will be on the list to (2012 FA). That’s $36 million guaranteed vs. only $16 million for next year.

about this today?

Aramis Ramirez says he’s thinking about passing on his 2011 option. If he does, champagne bottles probably would be pulled out of storage in some corners of the Cubs’ front office. If Ramirez becomes a free agent, there is no chance he would get a contract for $14.6 million on the open market, given his performance and injury history.

Just to add to the debate.

His contract is up after this year, and I haven’t heard anything from him or the Tigers about wanting to return. As an option for the Cubs, he’ll give you some HR pop, pretty good defense, but way too many Ks.

I think about it, I really think he’s going to opt out. He’s mentioned a couple of times this season how he’s upset about the players, I really think he just wants one last deal

If you put your self in Aramis’s position, ask yourself what does he have to play for? He’s made over 75M, money shouldn’t be a problem, he knows he’s not going to win anytime soon here. I really think he’s going to opt out.

but now it is possible. I’m sure his agent is testing the waters. If there is a chance for something like 3 years for $27-$30 million then he may go.

Of course, there is always the possibility that Hendry resigns him for another 3 years. I wouldn’t rule anything out with Hendry. He knows his job is on the line.

he knows he is coming back

remove the first two months of the season, when I think he was injured, and he’s really been great all of the last two years. He’s easily one the best free agent out there (maybe Beltre is better). I could easily see some desperate team giving him, obviously less than 16M, but a fair 3 year 31M or 30M. I know that’s a pay cut, but Aramis still has value on the market. Not to mention third base is a premium position, where slugging third baseman just isn’t around on the open market. Longoria, Zpack and those guys are locked up.

… that Ramirez is staying.