The Aramis Ramirez Story or How Soon They Forget

In a few short days, the Cubs organization will face a decision.  They can pick up next year’s option on Aramis Ramirez to the tune of $16 million, or pay $2 million to make him go away.  Ramirez has been posturing in the past week, stating publicly that he’s ready to sign with a team that is built to win now.   Frustration with the Cubs’ play has many calling for a change at third base, but can the north side make a change for the better?

During the last three months, Ramirez has been on fire, hitting .315 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs.  Back when Jim Hendry was handing out no-trade clauses like Mike Quade hands out nicknames, Ramirez was a beneficiary.  He told the media that he would not waive that clause last July because he didn't want to move his family, and he was criticized.  While this was going on, Ramirez was quietly becoming the best hitting, everyday third baseman in MLB.  This year he has been batting .306 with 25 home runs and 92 RBIs. 

Not enough?  Let’s not forget Ramirez’ contribution as a cornerstone in the Cubs’ last two division title wins.  In 2007 he batted .310 with 26 home runs and 101 RBIs.  He followed that by hitting .289 with 27 home runs and 111 RBIs in 2008. 

So, if the Ramirez era in Chicago is over, who’s his replacement?  The list of free agent third basemen is scary.  Really scary.  Mark DeRosa, Greg Dobbs and Casey Blake would all be substantial downgrades.  Scarier still are the Cubs' own prospects for third base.  Josh Vitters needs one more year, again.  Marquez Smith is inadequate, and we've all seen enough of DJ LeMahieu to know he’s not done baking.

When all of your other options will make you worse, it’s time to love the one you’re with.  Pay that man his money.  Aramis Ramirez is statistically the second best third baseman in Cubs history, after only Ron Santo.  In a time when Cubs fans are struggling to find reasons to come to Wrigley, give them one more instead of one less.