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Thanks, Aramis Ramirez, For The Memories

Alfonso Soriano and Cliff Floyd of the Chicago Cubs join the team in welcoming teammate Aramis Ramirez after Ramirez hit a two-run, walk-off home run to beat the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Brewers 6-5. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Aramis Ramirez won't be a stranger to the Cubs for the next three years, as he's reportedly signed a three-year deal with the Brewers for an amount somewhere between $34 and $37 million.

So we'll see him from 15-18 times a year, depending on how schedules work out; it will be odd to see someone who has been such a big part of Cubs history for the last nine seasons, wearing a uniform with a different shade of blue. Remember, when he was acquired from the Pirates on July 23, 2003, along with Kenny Lofton, it was Lofton the Cubs were after. They needed an immediate replacement for the injured Corey Patterson. At the time, Ramirez, who had just turned 25, was considered to be somewhat of a washout, having had a disappointing, injury-filled 2002, and not off to a great start in 2003.

He made that one of the best deals of Jim Hendry's tenure. He leaves ranking fifth on the all-time Cubs list in OPS (.887), and sixth in home runs (239). He had several spectacular seasons, and from 2004-2007 averaged .305/.362/.564 with 33 HR and 104 RBI; beyond new Hall of Famer Ron Santo, the only 3B in Cubs history who put up numbers as good as Aramis was Stan Hack.

Star-divide

Ramirez was in three postseasons for the Cubs and though overall his playoff numbers are poor (.194/.299/.433 in 77 PA), it was his grand slam in Game 4 of the 2003 NLCS that gave all of us the feeling, "Hey, maybe this IS for real."

It wasn't, unfortunately, but Aramis surely contributed his share of excitement to Cubs baseball during his tenure at third base. People have complained about his injuries and his not-always-great defense and alleged he was "lazy" (something I don't necessarily agree with), but the memories of things like that NLCS slam, or what you see in the photo at the top of this post, his amazing walkoff on June 29, 2007 (only a week after he had come off the DL), or this from 2008:

... make Ramirez part of Cub lore, that we will all remember for many years to come.

We are almost completely out of the 2003 era; only Carlos Zambrano and Kerry Wood remain from that star-crossed team, and it doesn't appear either will be around for much longer. New management brings us into a new era, and that's a good thing; but let us not forget someone who helped bring us many victories and happy times at Wrigley.

I wish A-Ram well; it's not really possible for me to root for him as a Brewer, and I hope he has especially bad games when he faces the Cubs. But I'll always remember the great moments, the memories, and his eight-plus fine seasons as a Cub.

Comment 182 comments  |  3 recs  | 

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I wish him the best when he's not playing the Cubs

But if he gets in great shape and turns back into the ARam of a few years ago…. I going to be annoyed.

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 12, 2011 1:47 PM CST reply actions  

I wish him...

a team with a lower record than my Cubs. If that’s what you mean by the best, then that’s fine.

--------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

@JamesDaBear

by jameslcrockett on Dec 12, 2011 3:49 PM CST up reply actions  

I'll always remember...

That 2007 walk-off against the brewers. I was working in Madison, WI (Brewer territory) and listening to Pat/Ron call the game on the air. He hit it and I just stood up with my arms in the air and looked for just about any Brewer fan I could find!!

by cj100683 on Dec 12, 2011 1:50 PM CST reply actions  

That was one of the best games I have ever seen in person.

Ever. And that’s saying a lot.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 2:03 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

The best game I ever saw at Wrigley

was a walk-off by Sammy against the Cards in extras. I was exhausted after the game. Every inning the Cubs were on D the crowd was in it and up with 2 outs.

If you work your magic and find the box score that’d be great. I know the way I see the game in my head was not how it all went down. Must have been around 1998-2000.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 2:57 PM CST up reply actions  

Sammy hit 10 walkoffs in his career.

The only one vs. the Cardinals was in the 15th inning of this game on September 2, 2003.

Which was also an amazing game.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 3:56 PM CST up reply actions  

Wow I was way off on the year

But – thats the game. I was up in the 500 level. Lots of people had left but I felt moving to a nicer seat would jinx it.

THANKS

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 4:11 PM CST up reply actions  

Me too. Right up there with the 1989 game in the rain with Cards where Salazar

knocked in Dwight Smith to tie and Dawson to win.

Sandberg game also pretty damn good. Was only in park for his second homer and Dave Owen game winning hit however.

On ARam – when he hit that grand slam in the first inning of game four vs. the Marlins in the ’03 NLCS, I thought the Cubs had the series won.

by the nth on Dec 12, 2011 4:36 PM CST up reply actions  

That was when I knew

the Cubs just might climb back into the NL Central race, a month after everything looked lost following the Zambrano-Barrett throwdown. A magical moment, to be sure.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 12, 2011 2:27 PM CST up reply actions  

Yep.

BEAR DOWN!
Sveum Game '12

by mikegncb34 on Dec 12, 2011 1:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Thirded.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 2:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Fourthed

"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.

by WindisBlowingOut! on Dec 12, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions  

16ed

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 12, 2011 2:19 PM CST up reply actions  

Concur

Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. --Vince Lombardi

by KS_Cub4Life on Dec 12, 2011 3:36 PM CST up reply actions  

Feel the same.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Dec 12, 2011 4:08 PM CST up reply actions  

Yep!

I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.

by cub in louies nest on Dec 12, 2011 7:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Yer.

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run FOR Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Dec 12, 2011 8:13 PM CST up reply actions  

Stimme zu


If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.

by eths on Dec 13, 2011 8:17 AM CST up reply actions  

Here here, old boy.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 12, 2011 4:43 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions  

Well put, slcathena

my thoughts exactly. He gave us a lot of great memories for sure.

by Emelie on Dec 12, 2011 5:20 PM CST up reply actions  

YYYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!

Dave Hester agrees.

"God, I always said I would never bother you about baseball, but if you could make this pain in my shoulder stop for ten minutes, I would really appreciate it."
Billy Chapel

by cubfever7 on Dec 13, 2011 10:52 AM CST up reply actions  

Walk-off vs Sox

I was at the game he hit the walk-off vs the Sox. One of best games ive seen in person. I will miss A-Ram, but his time here in Chicago was up. I wish him well and thank him for all the memories he gave us while he was a Cub.

by jcsportsfan21 on Dec 12, 2011 1:53 PM CST reply actions  

That game was awesome

IIRC I think he might have hit one to tie it earlier that day too. Maybe in the 7th?

BEAR DOWN!
Sveum Game '12

by mikegncb34 on Dec 12, 2011 1:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Yes.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 2:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Z does pitch pretty well in Miller Park.

I think I remember a certain no-hitter…

"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.

by WindisBlowingOut! on Dec 12, 2011 2:05 PM CST up reply actions  

vs. Houston after they sat through a hurricane

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 12, 2011 2:08 PM CST up reply actions  

I've wondered how legit that no no was.

Didn’t Dempster pitch a one hitter the following day?

The Astros played like they were sleep walking.

by Clark Addison on Dec 12, 2011 2:37 PM CST up reply actions  

Ted Lilly ...

… was the next pitcher. He and Samardzija combined on a one-hitter.

Doesn’t matter how the team played, and yes, the Astros looked like they didn’t care. The pitchers still had to make their pitches.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 2:40 PM CST up reply actions  

went to that game

Best game I have ever seen in person!!!

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 13, 2011 8:29 AM CST up reply actions  

A no hitter is a no hitter.

I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.

by cub in louies nest on Dec 12, 2011 7:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Thanks for the memories, Aramis

My favorite Cub since ’03.

But…. it’s time to move on.

Go Cubs.

BEAR DOWN!
Sveum Game '12

by mikegncb34 on Dec 12, 2011 1:57 PM CST reply actions  

Derrek Lee was my favorite 21st Century Cub

So I know how you feel. It was time to move on. But we can continue to respect what they did here. One day, they’ll both be retired and we can cheer them as they come to the ballpark as honored ex-Cubs.

by Josh Timmers on Dec 12, 2011 2:02 PM CST up reply actions  

I've always liked Aramis, I wish him the best.

Except, of course, when facing the Cubs.

I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best

by Blue W on Dec 12, 2011 2:02 PM CST reply actions  

Good luck Aramis (except when you play the Cubs)!

He put some fantastic numbers while with the Cubs.
I will miss the thrill of his many game-tying and walk-off HRs and his power in the middle of the lineup.

Hope this doesn’t come back to bite us.

If you think you've seen it all...just wait!

by CubFanSince1970 on Dec 12, 2011 2:04 PM CST reply actions  

Thanks Aramis

I appreciated and enjoyed your time here. Best of luck to you except when playing the Cubs.

by Swoosie on Dec 12, 2011 2:04 PM CST reply actions  

I bet he just KILLS our pitching next year.

while batting .220 with 5 home runs against everyone else

by Nunyabidness on Dec 12, 2011 2:13 PM CST up reply actions  

I could see that.

Of course, at this point everyone’s going to kill our pitching.

Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!

by shoemile on Dec 12, 2011 2:21 PM CST up reply actions  

I've always wondered if players play against their former teams.

It seems like facing Cubs pitchers gave us advantage. I remember we crushed Wood and Lilly. Aramis probably will have similar success as Derek lee did. ughhh..

by Mitchener on Dec 12, 2011 10:36 PM CST up reply actions  

He's of to the land of Curds and Whey

This isn’t quite as badas if a Chicago Bear player had defected to Green Bay, but couldn’t he have chosen anyplace but Milwaukee? I mean even if he had gone to the White Sox….

by cubssouvenirman on Dec 12, 2011 2:22 PM CST reply actions  

I see this biting the Cubs right in the ass...A-Ram still has a bit left in the tank...

…and I think he’ll excel playing in Milwaukee.

I, at least, am hoping I see Hoyer/Epstein in headlines later in the week in regards to Darvish.

"Keep looking into the past and you'll keep repeating the past" - Some Smart Guy

by Easy Ed on Dec 12, 2011 2:22 PM CST reply actions  

Agreed re: Darvish.

The deadline for posting bids is 4 pm (CT) on Wednesday. We should know soon after who had the winning bid.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 2:41 PM CST up reply actions  

I thought there

was a 4 day period before we’d hear anything. Maybe I’m remembering it wrong.

by tomas21 on Dec 12, 2011 6:35 PM CST up reply actions  

We just need to schedule our series against the Brewers

During the month or two per season he’s having groin issues.

by EcoGeek on Dec 12, 2011 2:52 PM CST up reply actions  

Surprised

I thought he would get more after the year he put up last year. Seems like a bargain, IF he stays healthy. There aren’t many great hitting 3b out there.

"I feel great, I just wish my team played better"

by vin23 on Dec 12, 2011 2:22 PM CST reply actions  

Lots and lots of memorable moments

Thanks for them all, A-Ram.

Great choices on his best HRs, Al. Those are two of my favorites too.

"What the hell, let's review it." - Dale Tallon
"They are!" - Pat Foley
"What a farce." - Dale Tallon

by HawkVision on Dec 12, 2011 2:31 PM CST via mobile reply actions  

Which Aramis did they sign?

Is it the Aramis who is “busting his butt” because it is a contract year and he wants as much as possible? Or is it the Aramis that costs because I’ve got mine and why should I put out ANY extra effort?
If you could please find out for us and report it, I’d greatly appreciate it.

Proud member of the Lee Elia 15% club!

by dansram on Dec 12, 2011 2:34 PM CST reply actions  

*coasts

Proud member of the Lee Elia 15% club!

by dansram on Dec 12, 2011 2:36 PM CST up reply actions  

its amazing just how much I dont care that A-ram is gone.

i thought i’d at least care. i dont.

So i you can give you can take it.

by epsilon on Dec 12, 2011 2:39 PM CST reply actions  

It was time.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Dec 12, 2011 4:15 PM CST up reply actions  

BEAR DOWN!
Sveum Game '12

by mikegncb34 on Dec 12, 2011 2:48 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

I really liked that team

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 3:01 PM CST up reply actions  

Me 2..

hopefully we can say that soon again and for longer periods of time..

Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. --Vince Lombardi

by KS_Cub4Life on Dec 12, 2011 3:41 PM CST up reply actions  

but they broke my heart into a million pieces

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 12, 2011 4:20 PM CST up reply actions  

me too

I guess I just long for baseball being fun again

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 6:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Soriano's legs seemed fine there..

Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. --Vince Lombardi

by KS_Cub4Life on Dec 12, 2011 3:40 PM CST up reply actions  

haha i was thinking the same thing

Always wondered what could have been if he hadn’t trashed his legs.

by Mitchener on Dec 12, 2011 10:39 PM CST up reply actions  

Funny thing.

I know I’ve seen that picture somewhere before.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 3:59 PM CST up reply actions  

It's one of my favorite Cubs pictures ever.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Dec 12, 2011 4:09 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

100% agreed.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 4:29 PM CST up reply actions  

ARam home run trivia

July 1, 2006, Cubs vs White Sox. Ramirez hits the 12,000th home run in franchise history, bottom of 5th, 2 on, 1 out, off of Javier Vazquez. Part of a 3-5, 5 RBI day.

btw, White Sox win 8-6, Demp with blown save. And not just any blown save. This was a “give up a 3R HR to AJ Pierzynski” blown save. Box score.

That was an exciting game. Four Cubs pitchers – Maddux, Eyre, Howry, and Dempster – gave up 4 homers to Sox that day. Guess which one did not give up a homer? Amazingly enough, it was Howry…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 12, 2011 2:45 PM CST reply actions  

Howry was good in 2006.

2007, too. He was awful in 2008.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on Dec 12, 2011 3:00 PM CST up reply actions  

All u had to do was sit fastball.

Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. --Vince Lombardi

by KS_Cub4Life on Dec 12, 2011 3:42 PM CST up reply actions  

Seemed to work for Howry in 2006-07.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on Dec 12, 2011 3:43 PM CST up reply actions  

Which surprises me.

Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. --Vince Lombardi

by KS_Cub4Life on Dec 12, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Wow

Nice to see a Cub move on like this. His time with us came and went. Better then the send offs of Jacque Jones, Milton Bradley and Silva.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 3:00 PM CST reply actions  

What is REALLY nice to see...

is a GM who understands when it is time to let a player move on and build for the future instead of just trying to bring back a fan favorite and squeeze a few more ticket sales out of him for a couple of years.

I like the long term thinking that I am seeing so far.

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run FOR Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Dec 12, 2011 8:17 PM CST up reply actions  

Really liked A Ram but....

it is time to move on. I just wish we had somebody ready to take up the slack offensively. If he wanted a one year deal, I would have kept him but he needed to do what’s best for him. I wish he would have let the Cubs trade him last year. I never liked people getting on him for lack of hustle. He was slow and got slower with every step. If I was him, I wouldn’t have wanted to try for second when he knew he’d never make it there. THANKS A RAM

by Rainman9856 on Dec 14, 2011 6:38 AM CST up reply actions  

That's a lot of money for 3 years....

Aram was pretty clutch. Going to miss him…until April.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Dec 12, 2011 3:07 PM CST reply actions  

Bummer City.

Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...

by awfullyquiet on Dec 12, 2011 3:13 PM CST reply actions  

The Brewers' lineup is going to be awfully right handed

Just like the Cubs were for many years. Hopefully A-Ram is “traded” for Fielder.

by timmyfan on Dec 12, 2011 3:25 PM CST reply actions  

Even more thanks

I’m sorry to see him go, but at this point in his career even a three-year contract is somewhat of a gamble. He was far and away the best clutch RBI guy the Cubs had during his tenure, and I was always happy to see him come to bat late in the game when they needed a big hit. And while he didn’t always run hard to first base on routine grounders, I never considered him lazy. Given his history of leg ailments, I almost always gave him the benefit of the doubt that he was not running all out in order to avoid injury. I wish him all the best as long as he goes 0 for the season against the Cubs.

Yeah, I know there should be an apostrophe in "Vails," but punctuation wasn't an option when I signed up.

by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Dec 12, 2011 3:33 PM CST reply actions  

Good luck and all the best Ramirez,

except when you play the Cubs.


If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.

by eths on Dec 12, 2011 3:43 PM CST via mobile reply actions  

I'm trusting in our new brain trust...

but I would have been pleased to see A-Ram back on a 3/35 deal. I think that’s rather reasonable.

D98 mistaken, a hyperbole as in a funny or revisionism as in trying to make a new fact to confirm a prejudice

by Kansas25 on Dec 12, 2011 3:59 PM CST reply actions  

If he keeps hitting...

…he’ll likely equal the value of this deal per year, though his defense and base running will likely drag him down. Given the state of our organization, I’m OK with taking our chances at third base and getting draft picks for Aramis and Pena.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 12, 2011 4:50 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions  

I'd wish him luck,

but I just can’t if he’s on the Brewers. I may give him an ovation the first time (and only the first time) he comes to bat at Wrigley if I’m at that game.

♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫

by katie casey on Dec 12, 2011 4:14 PM CST reply actions  

Hmm, I hadn't thought about that.

Should be an interesting reception his first time back.

Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!

by shoemile on Dec 12, 2011 4:37 PM CST up reply actions  

That's assuming he's not hurt

Not unlikely considering his past and his age.

"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct

by propheteer on Dec 12, 2011 5:12 PM CST up reply actions  

Won't have to wait too long.

First Brewers game at Wrigley in 2012: Monday, April 9.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 5:14 PM CST up reply actions  

Doesn't this free up Casey McGehee?

Uh…um…nevermind.

I enjoy this website because it's so interesting to see folks pole vaulting over mouse turds.

by BAMACOLONEL on Dec 12, 2011 4:16 PM CST reply actions  

What's the news on Fielder?

Bye, bye A-ram.

Greatest Cub 3B in quite some time.

"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct

by propheteer on Dec 12, 2011 5:11 PM CST reply actions  

I am fine with this....Why pay him for the past....

He will start slow get hurt and put up big numbers after June 1st…..when its too late.

I would rather have Fielder

by TJ11 on Dec 12, 2011 5:27 PM CST reply actions  

We don't know that

Miller Park is indoors

BEAR DOWN!
Sveum Game '12

by mikegncb34 on Dec 12, 2011 8:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Bittersweet.

He couldn’t come back, but that doesn’t make what he did less meaningful.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 12, 2011 5:37 PM CST reply actions  

Thanks, A-Ram, for the memories.

But it was time for a change and it’ll be nice to have a third baseman who actually runs to first base on a groundball.

by jeffmills1972 on Dec 12, 2011 5:59 PM CST reply actions  

Because...

running out ground balls wins games.

D98 mistaken, a hyperbole as in a funny or revisionism as in trying to make a new fact to confirm a prejudice

by Kansas25 on Dec 12, 2011 6:45 PM CST up reply actions  

Sorry TJ...

I have your drivel blocked. Can’t see a thing.

D98 mistaken, a hyperbole as in a funny or revisionism as in trying to make a new fact to confirm a prejudice

by Kansas25 on Dec 12, 2011 9:22 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

People can debate how big an impact his lack of hustle had.

But you gotta be kidding yourself if you think the guy didn’t loaf down the line quite a bit.

Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!

by shoemile on Dec 12, 2011 11:53 PM CST up reply actions  

I think you gotta be kidding yourself...

if you think even a majority of highly paid sluggers run out most of their grounders.

I think it’s “mountains from mole hills” to criticize Ramirez for not running out grounders. So many fans have that little league mindset infatuation that allows the Ecksteins and Theriots (before he started opening his mouth) to have once gained large followings. Hell if I care that some dude still remembers his 7th grade B-Team coach’s mandates and uses it to judge professional players.

The only minute but legitimate criticism in regards to effort regarding Ramirez might be a few plays in the field where he didn’t go all out—although I might point out that his shoulder injury on a similar play might have been an influence. Ramirez just got burned once this season (and I can only think of one other one 3ish years ago) where the first baseman dropped the ball and Ramirez wasn’t there to take the base; apparently that’s been etched into a handful of minds here at BCB.

Most sluggers take a casual jog towards first after a disappointing grounder, Fielder and Pujols among them.

D98 mistaken, a hyperbole as in a funny or revisionism as in trying to make a new fact to confirm a prejudice

by Kansas25 on Dec 13, 2011 3:03 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

And it certainly didn't help his reputation

When Olney reported that a scout told him Ramirez has the worst body language in all of baseball. Again, people can say it doesn’t matter, and that’s fine. But let’s not act like it didn’t happen a lot with him, and for quite some time.

Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!

by shoemile on Dec 13, 2011 3:08 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't know what to make of body language...

I agree with that in regards to Ramirez, but I also didn’t notice any changes in body language when the Cubs were playoff bound or right before he smacked a late homer. Seems to just be the way he is. And seems that many fans latched onto that when there weren’t many other criticisms to make (recent defense being the major one).

D98 mistaken, a hyperbole as in a funny or revisionism as in trying to make a new fact to confirm a prejudice

by Kansas25 on Dec 13, 2011 3:19 PM CST up reply actions  

Gonna miss Aram.

Great Cub, thanks for the memories Aramis.

by Dcr18 on Dec 12, 2011 6:04 PM CST reply actions  

Hmmm.

They might need a left fielder for a while. Think they’d take Soriano?

If they sign Rodrigo Lopez, then we’ll know for sure.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 6:37 PM CST up reply actions  

This has nothing to do with Fielder

or the Brewers, but my back yard is next to the practice fields of the local high school.

Today, I saw the baseball team throwing the ball around around. Spring is just around the corner. In California, at least.

by Josh Timmers on Dec 12, 2011 6:14 PM CST reply actions  

High school tryouts

Since it was always still snowy and cold we would do it inside. Glenbrook South has a huge field house. Since there were other sports going on we got the 5am slot.

I remember it still – barely awake and Coach Aaron walking in wide awake and yelling “take 8” laps. RIP to a great man and great coach.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 6:47 PM CST up reply actions  

I remember early morning workouts in our gym while it was still dark out and a foot of snow

was on the ground. Running stairs over and over until someone would finally throw up which would signal it was time to bat against the primitive (and wild) pitching machine we had. Unfortunately, our baseball coach was not beloved. He was a loudmouthed braggart whome we discovered had lied about his past baseball exploits. Embarrassing.

by the nth on Dec 12, 2011 7:07 PM CST up reply actions  

That's too bad about your coach

Wasn’t so much of the coach he was but the person he was. He died about 10 years after I graduated and our starting 3B basemen from 1998 was the main speaker.

My brother went through a lot of hard times growing up and Coach Aaron always kept tabs on him. He also came to some of our summer league games. Just one of those guys lets live his whole life through the place he worked.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 7:15 PM CST up reply actions  

Heh.

Whatever happened to Blue Mike?

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run FOR Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Dec 12, 2011 8:21 PM CST up reply actions  

well done

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 8:22 PM CST up reply actions  

Rainy here today - but that just means snow on the mountain

Our local little league park is right next to the dog park. The weekends are great when there is a game because they have a full on concession stand with a grill.

Love taking time to watch an inning or two. Looking forward to when I get to coach for my kid one day. Ill be the first guy teaching an 8 year “first sign indicator” I know of

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 6:46 PM CST up reply actions  

NICE!!

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 8:22 PM CST up reply actions  

thx

beat a couple of guys i played with for a good little while 15 years ago. very exciting game!

by daily2b on Dec 12, 2011 8:25 PM CST up reply actions  

ill make it out to a game one day

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 8:28 PM CST up reply actions  

we have a lotta fun.

start practices in Feb, games in Mar…

by daily2b on Dec 12, 2011 8:52 PM CST up reply actions  

hmmm

I could be in shape by then….hmmmm

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 9:01 PM CST up reply actions  

Just reported

… Ramirez’s deal is 3 years, $36mil with a fourth year mutual option.

Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation

by Al Yellon on Dec 12, 2011 6:36 PM CST reply actions  

I say thats a bargain

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 6:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Reasonable I think...but he's gettin' up there in years now...

There are no facts, only interpretations.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Lets Go Theo!!! 10/13/2011

by jeffstorm2 on Dec 12, 2011 7:20 PM CST up reply actions  

What does

a mutual option mean? Either one can activate it, or they both have to activate it?

by tomas21 on Dec 12, 2011 8:33 PM CST up reply actions  

its what we had on ramirez this year

follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com

by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 12, 2011 9:11 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm sad:(

He was really good and no matter how u try and sell it to me Ian Stewart can’t even hold Ramirez jock strap. Now I have to listen and see Ramirez beat us all year.

by bleedinblue76 on Dec 12, 2011 6:56 PM CST via mobile reply actions  

he'll play 15-18.

I doubt he will beat the Cubs each and every game.

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 13, 2011 8:39 AM CST up reply actions  

Hmmm...I dunno bout this one...

IIRC…I posted a poll midway thru 2011: “If we could keep Aram for reasonable money (10-12mil for 2-3 yrs) should we”? I think bout 60% said “Yes”. This…is IMHO, reasonable money. I wish Aram all the best (Except v. Cubs, oh…and NL Central teams)…b.u.t…. sigh a semi-typical Aram slow April-May should banish these wimpy thoughts of mine! :]

There are no facts, only interpretations.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Lets Go Theo!!! 10/13/2011

by jeffstorm2 on Dec 12, 2011 7:19 PM CST reply actions  

I would have loved for him to come back, especially at that price.

I don’t care what other ppl say either. He had slow periods like everyone else but he also had great periods where you loved having him at the plate with runners on. My only hope is that Theo/Jed saw something I didn’t. In them I’ll have to trust.

Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. --Vince Lombardi

by KS_Cub4Life on Dec 12, 2011 7:26 PM CST reply actions  

A-Ram caused an embarrassing moment for me in Pittsburgh

I went there in Sept of 2003 for a crucial series and I was walking around the beautiful park which was taken over by a majority of Cub fans when young girl about 10 noticing my Cubs hat and T shirt said to me " You stole our best player" I tried to distract her by responding " No we didn’t San Diego did" ( Brian GIles was also shipped earlier that season when the Pirates went into salary dump mode) Alas she was smart fan and did not seem to be buying that.

The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 12, 2011 8:13 PM CST reply actions  

he probably didnt

Dont know where he lives but if it were in Lake Forest or something the commute is not much different

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Dec 12, 2011 8:24 PM CST up reply actions  

He didn't want to move...

midseason and only likely be there for 4 months.

D98 mistaken, a hyperbole as in a funny or revisionism as in trying to make a new fact to confirm a prejudice

by Kansas25 on Dec 12, 2011 9:24 PM CST up reply actions  

Interesting

he had a sub-.650 OPS at Miller Park last year.

Career line of .270/.325/.503

I am not sorry Ramirez left. I never really liked him as a player, as hustle and drive and energy are some of the things I most enjoy watching as a fan, numbers aside. But he was/is very productive, I do hate the fact that he is going to win some games over us every year.

by tomas21 on Dec 12, 2011 9:00 PM CST reply actions  

Great two strike hitter

I will miss his bat the most. When he had two strikes I always had a great feeling he was about to launch a homer. I totally enjoyed the wonderful summer of 2008, summer, but not the fall like 1969. The game I was at Wrigley that year on Aug 23rd against the Nationals was one of my favorite memories of Aramis. He hit two homers that game.

Thanks Aramis

by billkelly on Dec 12, 2011 9:03 PM CST reply actions  

Who?

Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation

by Al Yellon on Dec 13, 2011 7:41 AM CST up reply actions  

Is that a Boardwalk Empire reference?

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 13, 2011 12:00 PM CST up reply actions  

I do.

My wife and I finally watched that episode last night. It’s funny — Jimmy was a cold-hearted, murderous thug. Yet I still felt bad when Nucky took him out. I felt even worse when that butcher killed his wife. I really liked her.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 13, 2011 4:42 PM CST up reply actions  

What a way to end the season, huh??

At least we only have to wait a year to find out what happens next!!!!

by daily2b on Dec 13, 2011 7:01 PM CST up reply actions  

That's the downside to cable shows.

Some of them are so good, but you forget everything between seasons.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 13, 2011 8:04 PM CST up reply actions  

Not this time!

And I finally watched that Walking Dead episode, too. Although SWL spoiled it for me, I still got the chills when the little girl zombie staggered out of the barn.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 13, 2011 4:44 PM CST up reply actions  

great games

The most exciting baseball moment I experienced in person was at Wrigley Field on September 14, 1984. It was the first game of a three game series against the Mets, who were six games out, and Rick Sutcliffe pitching. In the bottom of the 7th, Cubs ahead 3-1, Jody Davis steps to the plate with the bases loaded. Sky dark, 18 mph wind blowing in over the left field wall, Jody hits a grand slam. The uproar was long and enormous; two pitches had already been thrown to the next batter before we knew that the game had continued. Unbelievable!

by rsklansky on Dec 13, 2011 10:28 AM CST reply actions  

Like a lot of one time Cubs' heroes...

…(Fergie Jenkins, Sammy Sosa, Dave Kingman, Ken Holtzman,, etc.), he didn’t exit under the happiest of circumstances. While I’m not sorry to see him go as I do feel that his time had passed, I’ll prefer to remember him as the best Cubs’ third baseman (by a landslide), since #10.

by bluekoolaide on Dec 13, 2011 11:26 AM CST reply actions  

Is Hendry the GM of Brewers?

Backloaded contract. $6 mill, $10 mill, $16mill plus a $4 million buyout.

by Rick B on Dec 13, 2011 5:28 PM CST reply actions  

Why does everyone think backloading a contract is a bad thing?

Once again, money today > money tomorrow.

PV = FV − r·PV = FV/(1+r)

If this allows them to sign him for less overall, it’s smart.

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 14, 2011 10:15 AM CST reply actions  

Reply fail.

Meant for Rick B

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 14, 2011 10:16 AM CST up reply actions  

I gotta admit...

…that $6 million amount for 2012 is quite remarkable.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 14, 2011 10:35 AM CST up reply actions  

now

we get to see what the rest of the n.l. saw.and it wont be pretty.the guy is a hitting machine and i think we just became his bitches.

by NOMAR on Dec 17, 2011 6:42 AM CST reply actions  

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