This may well be the last post at Bleacher Nation dedicated to Aramis Ramirez. Unless, that is, he does something worthy of Brewenfreude.
Today, Aramis Ramirez is expected to sign a three year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, who hope to replace some of the middle-of-the-order production they expect to lose when Prince Fielder jets, and might lose if/when Ryan Braun sits 50 games next year. The Cubs were never really a threat to re-sign Ramirez after new management took over. Indeed, when asked about the possibility of Ramirez returning to the Cubs in 2012, Ramirez’s agent said, “That ship has sailed.”
So, bon voyage it is, Aramis. Thanks again for some great years and great memories. Good luck(ish) with the Brewers, but not when you play the Cubs. Or when you’re competing for a division title. Or, well, pretty much any other time that it could theoretically impact the Cubs.
With Ramirez’s contract expected to be in the $10 to $12 million per year range, you can expect that the move closes the door on Prince Fielder returning to the Brewers, thus removing one possible (re-)landing spot from his choices. What the Brewers plan to do with current third baseman, Casey McGehee is unknown, though it’s likely they’ll either move him across the diamond to first base, or try to flip him in trade. It’s also possible McGehee could be non-tendered later today (which would explain why the Brewers pulled the trigger on Ramirez today – they needed to know if they were in the clear to let McGehee go).
The Cubs will now officially get a compensatory draft pick in 2012 (between the first and second round) for Ramirez.