We are just a little bit over a week away from the MLB Trading deadline. As we get closer to the deadline it is important to remember that there is usually always a surprise trade that happens, and a recent resurgence by Aramis Ramirez could make him the surprise player to be traded. We also touch on the White Sox interest in Prince Fielder, and who the next manager of the Chicago Cubs is going to be.
Prince Of Chicago?
Leading up to this week, the Chicago White Sox focused their complete and undivided attention on Washington Nationals First Baseman Adam Dunn. But, while the White Sox were willing to pull the trigger on the trade, the Nationals never received an offer that they liked from the White Sox. The Nationals price for Dunn is still very high, which is why it is unlikely that any team will be able to trade for him before the deadline.
After presumably striking out with their chances for Adam Dunn, the White Sox have accelerated talks with the Milwaukee Brewers for first baseman Prince Fielder. Fielder, who is making $10.5MM this season, is still under team control next year but his salary would likely boost to about $14MM after arbitration. The Chicago White Sox like to acquire players who are under contract for next seasons, instead of acquiring rental players. As evident last year, when they traded for Jake Peavy, and claimed Alex Rios off waivers.
As of now the White Sox and Brewers do not have a match when it comes to players and team needs. White Sox fifth starter Daniel Hudson would have to be included int he deal, but, While the Brewers do like Hudson they do not view him as a top of the rotation pitcher. However, Hudson would still have to be involved in a deal though. Also, it is likely that the White Sox would have to include young second baseman Gordon Beckham. Beckham was untouchable last season, even when it came to Adrian Gonzalez, but the White Sox mightbe willing to trade him if it meant getting Prince Fielder for at least the next couple of seasons.
With Lou Out, Who is In?
As we probably all know by now, Lou Piniella has announced his retirement effective at the end of the season. But, with Lou Piniella retiring the speculation has rum rampant about who is going to be the new Cubs manager. Fredi Gonzalez and Ryne Sandberg are the only two named candidates, but Joe Torre, Bob Brenly, Alan Trammell, and Joe Girardi also maybe potential replacements for Lou Piniella in Chicago.
The early favorite would have to be Ryne Sandberg, but the Cubs were unwilling to go further into discussion when asked if Sandberg would be the new manager. Sandberg has spent the past four seasons managing in the Cubs farm system, and he has moved up a level each year. With this year, he is finally managing the triple A I-Cubs. He has worked with young Cubs Tyler Colvin, Andrew Cashner, and Starlin Castro and has a relationship with a lot of the players that will be in the Major Leagues within the next couple of years.
Joe Torre and Joe Girardi probably round up the top three candidates. However, it is ironic that both are under contract this season and become free agents at the end of the season. The Yankees decided to go with Girardi over Torre, but I think if the Cubs had their choice they would go with Torre.
Like Ryne Sandberg, managing the Chicago Cubs was long considered to be Joe Girardi’s dream job. After the 2006 season, he was in the running to become the Cubs manager, but he fell second to Lou Piniella. Many have speculated that he will not be back in New York next season, and return to the Cubs may be likely.
Joe Torre has never really commented on the Cubs position. However he would not dismiss the rumor yesterday, when he said he will look at all his options at the end of the season and does not want to close any doors right now. Many baseball insiders have suggested that Torre is intrigued by the challenge of the Cubs position and may want to be that guy who leads the Cubs to World Series.
Aramis Ramirez Catching Fire Right Before The Deadline
The biggest reason why the Cubs have been a major disappointment right now is because of the struggles that Aramis Ramirez has faced this season. For much of the season, Ramirez was hitting under .200 and was facing a nagging thumb injury. However, since he has returned from the disabled list on June 26th, Ramirez is hitting .343 while hitting 9 homers in his past 13 games.
Any team that is looking for a power hitting third baseman, is probably taking note of Ramirez’s resurgence. Given his track record, it is fair to expect Ramirez to finish the season on a strong note. However, Ramirez is making $15.75MM this season, and his a $14.6MM player option for next year in which he will likely pick up.
If Ramirez is going to be traded, the Chicago Cubs would probably have to eat most of his remaining salary. Teams that could be interested in him are the Angels, Padres, and Tigers.
However, I would not expect Aramis Ramirez to be traded. The Chicago Cubs could be looking at his recent resurgence and feel that he is finally healthy and his numbers will begin to show that he. Also, there are not a lot of third basemen around the league that are available that would warrant the Cubs to get rid of Ramirez.
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