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Aramis Ramirez News & Rumors

Aramis Ramirez won't seek out Bob Brenly
March 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It became obvious Saturday that the Aramis Ramirez-Bob Brenly fight isn't going to happen. The media tried to pour gasoline on the feud, but to no avail. Ramirez, the former Cubs third baseman, only said that Brenly would be better served sticking to his job description as Cubs television analyst. Asked if he had any plans to talk to Brenly, Ramirez said, "No, I don't care. He's a broadcaster. He should just worry about calling the game. He's not a coach, he's not a manager. He should just call the game. The coaches, the manager, the GM, they should take care of that other stuff.''"
Ramirez and Sveum forgetting past disappointments
March 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aramis Ramirez was in good spirits before facing his former team Saturday at Maryvale Park, joking he would bunt on Ryan Dempster in his first at-bat. Then the first pitch from Dempster was up and in, forcing Ramirez to duck out of the box. Informed of Ramirez's pregame comment, Dempster said: "Oh really? That would have been a tough pitch to bunt." So was it a message for his old teammate? "Nooo," Dempster replied. "It just got away. I've seen him too many times to leave it out over the plate. … I was just trying to go inside. In the back of your mind, you don't want to hit him, so you end up letting go a little early.""
Aramis Ramirez has a stat answer for his critics
March 9
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"He was the Cubs' most productive third baseman since Hall of Famer Ron Santo. And easily the most maligned. Now, as he tries to do with the rival Milwaukee Brewers what he could only get agonizingly close to doing in Chicago, Aramis Ramirez's answer to his critics is a look at the back of his baseball card — if not his backside. During a wide-ranging conversation with the Sun-Times, Ramirez also defended former general manager Jim Hendry's record, suggested a revival under Theo Epstein might not be as easy as many in Chicago seem to think and said he enjoyed his 8½ seasons in Chicago and the Wrigley Field fans."
Ramirez ready to try Brewers side of Milwaukee-Chicago rivalry
December 15
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Over the years, Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin grew weary of watching the steady Aramis Ramirez anchoring the lineup for the Chicago Cubs. But now, finally, Ramirez is on his side. Melvin and the Brewers officially introduced Ramirez in a news conference on Wednesday morning at Miller Park, after the 14-year veteran signed a three-year deal - with an option for a fourth - worth a reported $36 million. Projected to be the Brewers' cleanup hitter with free agent Prince Fielder expected to sign elsewhere, Ramirez will take the place of since-traded Casey McGehee at third base."
Brewers add third baseman Ramirez to replace power losses
December 13
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Milwaukee Brewers didn't sign free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez on Monday merely because they fear a 50-game suspension for National League most valuable player Ryan Braun at the start of next season. But it didn't hurt. The Brewers were in pursuit of Ramirez before learning over the weekend that Braun faces the suspension after a positive drug test in October. They reached agreement with the 33-year-old veteran on a three-year deal for $36 million. The Brewers didn't officially announce the signing because Ramirez has to pass a physical examination. But later in the day they opened third base for him completely by trading Casey McGehee to Pittsburgh for reliever Jose Veras."
Source: Aramis Ramirez to Brewers
December 12
ESPN.com
 
"Former Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez will sign a three-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, pending a physical, according to a source familiar with the situation. Ramirez played the last eight-plus seasons with the Cubs. He hit .306 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs and won the Silver Slugger award as the top offensive third baseman in 2011."
No Ramirez talks this weekend
December 10
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"I just spoke with agent Paul Kinzer, who represents free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez. He said he and Ramirez are taking "a break" this weekend with their families at Disney World and doesn't expect to talk to Brewers GM Doug Melvin. That's probably fine with Melvin, too, because he said Thursday he planned to return from the winter meetings in Dallas and "look at things and see where we are." Whether he has the financial leeway to continue to pursue Ramirez remains to be seen but both sides agree he would be a good fit in Milwaukee."
Ramirez is worth the pitch for Brewers
December 9
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 columnist Michael Hunt
"Having Albert Pujols off the schedule for at least 18 games a year does not make up for losing Prince Fielder behind Ryan Braun for 162, give or take. Almost, though, considering how Pujols destroyed the Brewers in the NLCS and pretty much any other time that monster stared down one of their pitchers. At least it's a major consolation prize for the Brewers, who still must do something to protect their National League MVP in the lineup. Signing Aramis Ramirez won't compensate for losing Fielder, but it's about as close as the Brewers are going to come in making up for that hole blown in the middle of their order. And close just might be enough now that Pujols is out of the division, as well"
Phils adviser Gillick met with Aramis Ramirez
December 7
CSN Philly
 
"It's still unclear whether the Phillies' interest in free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez is real or a ploy to pressure Jimmy Rollins into lowering his demand for a five-year contract. But the Phils' interest in Ramirez is legitimate enough that front-office adviser Pat Gillick met face-to-face with Ramirez last month in the Dominican Republic. Gillick performed several tasks on his trip, including scouting free agent Yeonnis Cespedes. The Phillies are unlikely to enter the bidding for the Cuban outfielder, who is seeking more than $30 million."
Brewers a 'favorite' for Ramirez
December 6
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"I just spoke with Paul Kinzer, the agent for third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who told me he considers the Brewers "a favorite" to sign his free-agent client. Kinzer, who has met with the Brewers at the winter meetings, said three teams are showing "serious" interest in signing Ramirez. Kinzer didn't say who the other two teams were but all indications are they are the Phillies and Angels. Ramirez visited with the Angels last week. Kinzer indicated he is looking for a three-year deal for Ramirez and said the third baseman has reciprocal interest in the Brewers. "He likes that team," said Kinzer. "He wants to go to a team that has pitching and gives him a chance to win a ring. He thinks the"
Report: Ramirez meets with Angels; contract offer likely
December 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"Free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez has met with the Angels, sources told Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, and a contract offer is likely forthcoming. It's believed the meeting took place this week."
Angels reportedly 'serious' about Aramis
November 29
MLB.com
 
"Despite earlier indications that he was not in their plans, the Angels are "serious" about pursuing Aramis Ramirez, according to a Los Angeles Times report quoting the slugging third baseman's agent, Paul Kinzer. Jerry Dipoto, the Angels' new general manager, initially downplayed the possibility of signing Ramirez to a free-agent deal. Kinzer on Monday told the Times that the Angels are one of "four or five teams" with "serious" interest in Ramirez, a 14-year veteran coming off a 2011 season in which he hit .306 for the Cubs with 26 homers, 93 RBIs, a .361 on-base percentage and .510 slugging percentage. Ramirez, 33, is a .284 career hitter with 315 homers and 1,122 RBIs."
Why not Aramis Ramirez as the Tigers' big splash?
November 24
Detroit News
 
"With all the big-name bats on the market, it's easy to overlook 3B Aramis Ramirez, who's conveniently coming off his biggest — and healthiest — season since 2008. While hardly the smoothest fielder, he did bat .306 with 26 homers and 93 RBIs. So by far, he's the best option available at third base (apologies to Greg Dobbs and Eric Chavez). It's interesting that there haven't been too many rumblings about the Tigers' interest. That's a clear weak spot on a roster that already might be good enough to make a World Series run next year, and owner Mike Ilitch and GM Dave Dombrowski seem to be good for one big splash a winter."
Aramis' agent rules out return to Cubs
November 14
MLB.com
 
"Agent Paul Kinzer said on Monday there's no chance Aramis Ramirez will return to the Cubs and that the third baseman was looking for a three- to four-year deal with a new team. Ramirez wants a World Series ring. "Aramis is going to be fine," Kinzer said of Ramirez, considered the top free-agent third baseman on the market. "We're not in any hurry. I'm just feeling teams out. "As the market establishes itself and people find out if they're in or not on [Albert] Pujols or [Prince] Fielder, and who's in on [Jose] Reyes, Aramis is going to be there," Kinzer said. "He's not looking at an eight-year contract. He's going to be looking in the four-[year] range, and maybe three [years] with an"
Aramis Ramirez tells Cubs he'll become free agent, decline $16 million option
October 31
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aramis Ramirez will officially file for free agency after telling the Cubs he will decline his part of the mutual $16 million option. The Cubs exercised their half of the mutual option on Sunday night. Ramirez has until 10:59 p.m. Tuesday to officially file for free agency. Ramirez said in September he expected to decline if the Cubs exercised the option, holding out for a long-term deal on the free agent market."
Marlins might not be interested in Ramirez
September 29
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Despite Aramis Ramirez's willingness to put the Florida Marlins on a short list of teams he'd consider signing with as a free agent, the Marlins are more likely to look at internal options, according to a source close to the Marlins. New manager Ozzie Guillen, who has told colleagues he's open to taking family friend Carlos Zambrano to Miami next season, wouldn't comment on the likelihood of trying to acquire Ramirez, Zambrano or even his longtime White Sox horse, Mark Buehrle. But he told the Sun-Times' Joe Cowley, "They've already asked me about a few [Chicago players], yes. But I'm going to let them ask me. I'm not going to say, 'Hey, bring that guy.'"
Aramis Ramirez says he wouldn't mind playing for Ozzie Guillen
September 28
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The seismic baseball shift on the South Side is starting to deliver significant aftershocks on the North Side, too. Suddenly, there's a viable trade market for Carlos Zambrano as well as an expanding potential free-agent market for Aramis Ramirez. With Ozzie Guillen likely headed to the Florida Marlins, Ramirez said Miami just became an attractive destination. ''Of course,'' said Ramirez, who promises to become one of the top hitters on the free-agent market if the Cubs don't offer him a multiyear extension. ''They already got better [by acquiring Guillen]. Some people might not like the way he goes about his business, but the bottom line is he's a good manager, and he's won before. He"
Could Ramirez and Zambrano be Miami-bound?
September 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"With former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen headed to the Marlins, speculation that Carlos Zambrano and Aramis Ramirez soon will follow already has begun. Whether it's all a pipe dream remains to be seen, but Ramirez noted before Tuesday night's 6-2 win over the Padres that the Marlins are in need of a third baseman. "I know Ozzie because of baseball, but we don't have any kind of special relationship," he said. "I haven't heard from anybody. … (It's) just speculation. "We'll see more when I become a free agent. They don't have a third baseman and they are going to have money, so they could be one of the teams interested in my service. But I don't know anything now.""
Cubs won't shut down Ramirez
September 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aramis Ramirez sat again Friday with a quad injury after saying Wednesday he will declare for free agency after the season. Ramirez told manager Mike Quade he would keep him posted on when he's ready. Because the likelihood of Ramirez returning is slim and there are only five games remaining, why not just shut him down, like the Cubs did with Kerry Wood? "I'd like to play him," Quade said. "… Let's just keep him working and let him get his treatment. Maybe he can't go in this series, or maybe he feels he can pinch hit sometime in this series, or even play, and into San Diego the same way."
If Aramis Ramirez departs, Cubs have gaping hole at third base
September 23
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs' best third baseman since Ron Santo said he isn't sure why he gets criticized by fans and the media. ''You've got to ask them [why],'' Aramis Ramirez said. Asked whether it bothers him, Ramirez said: ''Not at all. My dad always told me that the worst mistake that you can ever make is to try to make everybody happy. That ain't going to happen. There's always going to be people that don't think you're a $1 million player; there's always going to be people that don't think you're a $100,000 player.'' Never mind a $15 million or $16 million player. But whether you're an unabashed fan of Ramirez's 81/2 seasons of high production for the Cubs or a critic who believes he doesn't run out"
Aramis Ramirez, agent say slugger will test free agency if Cubs pick up option
September 22
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"A culture change, a youth movement or rebuilding — call it what you want — but the Cubs might be facing a heavy dose of it into next season whether the new general manager wants it or not. One day after third baseman Aramis Ramirez predicted he had played his last home game for the Cubs, his agent said Wednesday the team's most productive hitter for the last decade will exercise his right to elect free agency if the Cubs pick up his contract option for 2012. And several other Cubs in key roles this season were left wondering whether the final home game of the season was their last at Wrigley Field in Cubs uniforms. ''It's definitely crossed my mind,'' said pending free-agent slugger Carlos"
Ramirez believes he's gone: 'We're ready to move on'
September 21
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aramis Ramirez said after Tuesday's game that he believes he's played his last game as a Cub at Wrigley Field. Ramirez left the game with a mild quad strain, and was asked if it was his last game here. "Probably," he said. "There's a good chance. I'm a free agent and I don't know what's going to happen. But it looks like I'm going to hit the market." The Cubs hold a $16 million option on Ramirez. He said he wants to return, but "we haven't heard anything" from the Cubs. "We don't have a GM, so I don't know who you talk to," he said."
Ramirez delivers in clutch in 5-4 victory
September 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aramis Ramirez still could wind up the season hitting above .300 with 100 RBIs, which would be close to the average numbers he has put up since his breakthrough season with the Pirates in 2001. Whether it will be enough for the Cubs to exercise his $16 million option remains to be seen, so Ramirez is going through the final 17 games of this season wondering if he will be wearing a different uniform next spring. Ramirez drove in the tying and winning runs in the ninth inning of Saturday's 5-4 comeback victory after Mets manager Terry Collins opted to let reliever Bobby Parnell face him instead of issuing an intentional walk to load the bases for Tony Campana or a pinch-hitter."
Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Pena making a case to stay with Cubs
September 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Surrounded by a lot of kids in the clubhouse and even more uncertainty out of it, Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena have made it clear they want to stay in Chicago, but neither has a clue whether he'll have any say in the matter. The Cubs haven't even hired the guy they'll need to talk to about it. So for now they'll settle for talking with their results over the last few weeks of the season. ''What I do on the field is going to be the answer to that,'' Ramirez said recently. Even more recently, he drove in two go-ahead runs with a double in the sixth Wednesday night, and — after the Cincinnati Reds came back to tie the game — Pena added the clinching three-run homer in the bottom of the"
Ramirez's 5 hits wasted in 5-4 loss to Braves
August 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"After being fired 90 games into his only season as Cubs manager in 1980, Preston Gomez admitted he had his doubts about taking the job on the second day of spring training. "We had more unhappy players than I had seen on any team … and no kind of an organization," Gomez said. "I asked myself, 'What in the hell are you doing here?'" Mike Quade could ask himself the same question after all he has gone through in his first year on the job, from players scuffling in the dugout in spring training to Carlos Zambrano's walkout nearly two weeks ago to the firing Friday of the general manager who picked him over Ryne Sandberg. But before the Cubs 5-4 loss to the Braves on Tuesday night on the"
Aramis Ramirez may not be back with Cubs in '12
August 22
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Among the most immediate impacts of the Cubs' sudden regime change could be any attempts to keep key veteran players, including Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez, who could become a free agent whether or not the club picks up his 2012 option, was all but assured of returning next year — probably on a renegotiated extension — with Jim Hendry as general manager. But now he's expected to look at his free-agency options, his agent, Paul Kinzer, said. ''We've got to step back and look at everything,'' Kinzer said. ''At this point, it was pretty much a slam dunk [Ramirez would return]. It would have taken something serious for us to move on. We have to see what's going on there — not only with the GM, but"
Ramirez not happy about Hollandsworth's criticism
August 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"Darwin Barney had three more hits Sunday and made a diving catch of a Dan Uggla fly ball, helping to end Uggla's 33-game hitting streak. Barney was 7-for-11 in the series against the Braves, after Comcast SportsNet studio analyst Todd Hollandsworth told WSCR-AM 670 that Barney and Starlin Castro are watching Aramis Ramirez play and "they're not getting any better." "He's never in the clubhouse, so I don't know how you come up with that," Ramirez said. "In my point of view, they are getting better." Ramirez was upset that Hollandsworth, a former teammate, criticized his effort without talking to him."
Angry Aramis Ramirez fires back at Todd Hollandsworth
August 13
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez took exception to former teammate Todd Hollandsworth calling him out publicly Friday for lack of effort and for failing to be a positive influence on younger players, and he took his own shot in response. ''When you've got your best player — he's your best hitter; we've watched it for years now — and you can't seem to have a positive effect on the guys around you in the clubhouse,'' Hollandsworth, an analyst for broadcast affiliate Comcast SportsNet, told the ''MacNeil and Spiegel'' show on WSCR-AM (670), ''getting them to step up or play to a different level, it's just hard for me to swallow, especially when you're being paid to be that guy.'' Ramirez, a"
Hollandsworth rips Ramirez for lack of effort
August 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"Although Aramis Ramirez continued his second-half surge with a two-run homer Thursday in the Chicago Cubs' 4-3 victory over Washington, his intensity and commitment have been called into question by analyst and former Cubs outfielder Todd Hollandsworth. Hollandsworth, who played in two seasons (2004-05) with the Cubs as part of a 12-year major-league career, serves as a Cubs studio analyst for Comcast SportsNet. Despite Ramirez's improving statistics (.287 average, 21 homers, 71 RBIs), Hollandsworth took the veteran third baseman to task Friday for failing to be a positive influence on the team. "When you've got your best player -- he's your best hitter, we've watched it for years now --"
Cubs' Aramis Ramirez clears up no-trade stance (sort of)
July 30
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs didn't have any more trades in the works as they headed into the final full day before the non-waiver trading deadline at 3 p.m. Sunday. About the only thing anybody claimed to know for sure was that Aramis Ramirez was going nowhere, despite suggestions Thursday that he might be open to waiving his no-trade rights for the right deal. On Friday, he said those comments were ''misunderstood.'' ''My point was, I'm not on the market, as far as I know,'' Ramirez said, referring to a conversation with general manager Jim Hendry before the All-Star break — and a similar conversation between them Thursday night after the tweets hit the fan. ''We had a great talk, and we're on the same"
Aramis Ramirez backs away from trade talk
July 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aramis Ramirez said he was "misunderstood" Thursday in Milwaukee when he wavered on his no-trade status by proclaiming "if they come to me with a trade, we'll see." "The way it came out, it was like I want to leave, like I was ready to go somewhere else," he said. "And that's not the case." Ramirez spoke to general manager Jim Hendry on Thursday night after reports of his wavering hit the Internet. Though Ramirez said he did not read any of the reports, his agent, Paul Kinzer, called him to tell him. Ramirez said he's "on the same page" with Hendry. "He wants me here, and I want to stay here," he said. Whether Ramirez will return in 2012 remains to be seen. The Cubs are unlikely to pick up"
Angels may have a shot at Aramis Ramirez
July 29
Los Angeles Times
 
"Aramis Ramirez, reportedly among the hitters the Angels are pursuing, softened his stance on waiving his no-trade rights Thursday, increasing the likelihood of the Chicago Cubs third baseman being dealt before Sunday's nonwaiver trade deadline. Ramirez is batting .296 with 19 home runs and 62 runs batted in and has been one of baseball's hottest hitters over the past month, with nine homers and 23 RBIs in July. The 33-year-old has insisted all summer that he would not waive his no-trade clause unless it was clear to him the Cubs were in rebuilding mode. The Cubs are 42-63, 14½ games back in the National League Central, and with Thursday's trade of outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to Cleveland"
Aramis says he'd veto any trade
July 19
MLB.com
 
"Aramis Ramirez doesn't plan on leaving the Cubs this year. The Cubs' third baseman said prior to a 6-1 win over the Phillies on Monday that he would invoke his 10-and-5 rights and void any deal presented to him. Ramirez has 10 years in the big leagues, and five with the Cubs. FOX Sports reported the Angels were inquiring about Ramirez prior to the July 31 Trade Deadline, but he said he's not going anywhere. "I'm at the same point I was at two weeks ago, three weeks ago," said Ramirez, who homered in the first inning against the Phillies. "Right now, I'm not interested in any trade." The father of two young sons, Ramirez said he didn't want to relocate because of his family. "It is my"
Ramirez not looking for a deal
July 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs' most valuable player right now is Aramis Ramirez, who's so hot he's drawing interest from contenders that probably wouldn't have returned Jim Hendry's phone calls in early June. Ramirez hit his 15th home run in his last 38 games Monday off the Phillies' Roy Halladay, after reiterating there's nothing new about his status with the Cubs. "I'm at the same point that I was at two weeks ago, three weeks ago," Ramirez said. "Right now I'm not interested in a trade." The operative words were "right now." Ramirez has the right to veto any trade because he's a 10-year veteran who's been on the same team for at least five years. He could change his mind after the July 31 deadline, as first"
Five Cubs most likely on contenders' radar
July 18
ESPN.com
 
"Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry should be a busy man, fielding calls on some of his more desirable players, as the trading deadline quickly approaches on July 31. Here's a list of players who are most likely to be sought after by contending teams. Aramis Ramirez: There is lots of interest in the 33-year-old first baseman. The Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians are his most likely suitors. This weekend, one of the Tigers' top scouts is watching the Cubs, and in particular, Ramirez. The Tigers have had interest in Ramirez for six weeks. The Yankees have had at least one scout watching the Cubs for at least three series in a row. With the"
Pirates considering acquisition of pricey 'rental' players
July 18
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"As they set their targets for trade offers, the Pirates are willing to consider acquiring a high-priced "rental" player to provide a boost in the playoff chase. "We are open to various types of players, based on acquisition cost and fit on the club," general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday. In previous years, when the Pirates were sellers at the deadline, their strategy was to pick up players who had multiple years of contractual control -- prospects and major leaguers who hadn't yet reached arbitration eligibility. That paradigm began to change last year, when the Pirates traded for Chris Snyder. The veteran catcher came with a $5.75 million price tag for 2011 and will become a free"
Cubs' Aramis Ramirez keeps trade talk going with latest homer
July 17
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Since June 24, third baseman Aramis Ramirez has been the Cubs' main run producer, hitting .367 (29-for-79) with 11 home runs, 21 RBI and 21 runs scored. His three-run homer Saturday off Javier Vazquez, his 16th homer of the season, accounted for the only Cubs runs in a 13-3 loss to the Florida Marlins. ''Nobody on our team except Ramirez has been hot [recently],'' pitcher Carlos Zambrano said. Ramirez, the subject of trade speculation in part because of his hitting and because he faces a contract option year, is surprised the Cubs have played so poorly. ''Actually, yes, because I don't think we're as bad as we've been playing,'' he said. ''When you have starters like we have in Zambrano"
Cubs' Aramis Ramirez turns down All-Star invite
July 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez declined an opportunity for a third career All-Star selection Sunday, choosing to stick with plans that already were in motion to travel home to the ­Dominican Republic with his family for the break. ''It was the last day, so I already have plans for my family,'' he said. ''It's just too late.'' A third-base spot opened on the National League roster when elected starter Placido Polanco of the Philadelphia Phillies was scratched because of a sore back. NL manager Bruce Bochy selected Ramirez to replace Polanco and contacted the Cubs on Sunday. Ramirez finished the first half hitting .298 with 15 home runs and 51 RBI — numbers that far exceed most"
Cubs' Ramirez not going as NL All-Star replacement
July 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"A report from San Francisco Chronicle writer Henry Schulman said National League All-Star manager Bruce Bochy told ESPN he probably will name Aramis Ramirez as Placido Polanco's replacement in Tuesday's game. But the Cubs said Sunday that Ramirez has opted not to go. "Today is the last day so I already have my plans with my family," Ramirez said after the Cubs lost to the Pirates on Sunday.. "It's just too late. Yesterday, probably ... I showed up this morning and they told me. No chance. I couldn't make it. " Ramirez said Saturday that he didn't care if he was chosen or not, and had plans to travel back home to the Dominican Republic."
Cubs' Aramis Ramirez may have shot at NL All-Star team
July 10
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"All of a sudden, the injury-plagued Cubs are so healthy they could get an extra All-Star. ''Is that the height of irony?'' manager Mike Quade said. With the Philadelphia Phillies' Placido Polanco questionable with a bulging disc in his back, a spot for a third baseman appears to have opened on the National League roster. The Cubs' Aramis Ramirez (.302, 15 homers, 50 RBI) has the best numbers by far among remaining NL third basemen. He leads the majors at his position in both batting average and slugging (.503)."
With injuries to All-Stars, Quade going to bat for Ramirez
July 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Injuries to Placido Polanco and Chipper Jones may leave a couple of openings at third basemen for the National League All-Star squad, and Cubs manager Mike Quade planned to call NL manager Bruce Bochy to lobby for Aramis Ramirez. Scott Rolen was tabbed Saturday to take Jones' reserve spot, based on finishing behind Jones on the players' ballots. Polanco, who won the fan ballotting as a starter, still was hoping to play despite a back injury that may keep him out. The Giants' Bochy said Saturday he was considering naming his own third baseman, Pablo Sandoval, to be a replacement. "I could pick up the phone and say 'Boch' …'" Quade said. "It's so funny. Everybody thinks we're paying"
Aramis Ramirez shows his value in Cubs' wild win over Nationals
July 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"He has more than his share of critics among Cubs fans, whether it's because of his too-casual body language between plays, the 32 games a season he's had to miss because of injury or because he doesn't always look as eager to play as Tony Campana or Marlon Byrd. But nights like this — if not the week leading up to it — make it easy to remember how important Aramis Ramirez has been to the middle of the Cubs' order since they acquired him from the Pittsburgh Pirates eight years ago this month. Ramirez reached base four times Thursday night in a ridiculous 10-9 comeback victory against the Washington Nationals, including an eighth-inning single that drove home the go-ahead run with two outs"
Cubs' Aramis Ramirez picks good time to find home-run swing
July 4
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez has found his power swing in the last two weeks, with seven home runs in his last 10 games after hitting five the first 21/2 months. His latest was a two-run blast Sunday against White Sox starter Gavin Floyd, the decisive hit in a 3-1 victory that salvaged the last game of the Wrigley Field half of the six-game crosstown series. ''Stay hot, Rami,'' said Cubs manager Mike Quade, who got an unexpected surprise on the mound in the form of seven scoreless innings from journeyman Rodrigo Lopez (1-2) and savior work in the eighth from Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol (17th save) after a shaky opening by Kerry Wood. ''You don't want to get swept, especially at"
Ramirez's status for next year tough call for Cubs
July 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"It seems like Aramis Ramirez is in his final year in a Cubs uniform. Chairman Tom Ricketts and general manager Jim Hendry have spoken often of "payroll flexibility" next offseason, when the hefty contracts of Ramirez and Kosuke Fukudome are up. But Ramirez's latest tear, and the lack of a potential replacement at third base, could force the Cubs to reconsider. Ramirez hit another home run Sunday, giving him six on the homestand and 10 since the start of June. Hendry does not discuss personnel decisions, and Ramirez continues to insist his status is not a priority for the Cubs. "I guarantee you, (Hendry has) got a lot more things to worry about than me," Ramirez said after hitting his 300th"
Cubs avoid sweep as Ramirez belts 7th HR in last 10 games
July 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs finally got tired of winning nothing but the good neighbor award. You know that neighbor, the one who always has the parties for everyone else's celebration — and then is left cleaning up. Well, better late than never, the Cubs said enough of having their holiday weekend spoiled, letting White Sox fans use those brooms for sweeping away the spoils of a 3-1 loss Sunday. So the City Series, both of them, are over for another summer and at least most of the season-high 42,311 at Wrigley Field finally went home happy even though the Sox won four of the six games. "You don't want to get swept, especially at home," said Aramis Ramirez, who gave the Cubs their second and third runs with"
Cubs'Aramis Ramirez, Jeff Baker try to ignore trade rumors
July 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"As the Cubs' season slipped one more loss toward its demise Friday, at least two more Cubs came face-to-face with the specter of their time with the team running out. Or at least face-to-face with reporters asking about it. "I try to block that out," said third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who's in the final guaranteed year of his contract. "I've been playing this game long enough, and you never know what's going to happen. You're here for eight years. I appreciate everything — the fans and the front office and everybody and this city. We've still got three months to go, and we'll see what happens." Ramirez, who has a $2 million buyout on his $16 million club option for 2012, said he'll use his"
Pena, Ramirez back Garza with 2 HRs apiece
June 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Mike Quade has the backs of his Cubs players, and many of his friends are watching out for him. One recent text message got his attention. "Someone texted me with a Winston Churchill quote — 'If you're going through hell, just keep going,'" Quade said. "I like that. It's short and sweet. I'd like to think we have a chance to walk out of hell in the second half." The cynic says dream on, and history says the cynic will probably be right. But optimism was the feeling of the day Monday at Wrigley Field, when one of the biggest weeks of the Cubs' season opened with a 7-3 victory over the Rockies. The game featured a strong performance by Matt Garza and two home runs apiece from Carlos Pena and"
Cubs' Ramirez not dropping no-trade clause
June 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The Chicago Cubs are 12 ½ games back in the National League Central and looking to make some changes. But third baseman Aramis Ramirez has no interest in moving on from the Windy City. The Chicago Tribune reports that the agent for Ramirez, who is in the final year of a five-year, $75 million deal, says his client won't drop his no-trade clause. The Cubs have an option for Ramirez for next season that's' worth $15 million. "He doesn't even want to take a trade," said the agent, Paul Kinzer, according to the paper. "He took less years and less money to stay in Chicago (in 2006), so that is definitely his first option. Aramis has a full no-trade clause, so he doesn't want to go anywhere."
Agent: Ramirez won't give up no-trade clause
June 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Although the Chicago Cubs may consider a youth movement if their struggles continue, the agent for Aramis Ramirez says the veteran third baseman isn't inclined to drop his no-trade clause. Ramirez is in the final year of a five-year, $75 million contract. The Cubs hold an option on Ramirez in 2012 for $15 million. Agent Paul Kinzer said Tuesday that Ramirez most likely would not drop his no-trade clause this season and hopes to play for the Cubs again in 2012. "He doesn't even want to take a trade. He took less years and less money to stay in Chicago (in 2006), so that is definitely his first option," Kinzer said via phone from Florida. "Aramis has a full no-trade clause, so he doesn't"