Trade Talk

SPORTING GOODS

Aramis Ramirez has officialy filed for free agency, something that anyone who did 3 seconds of research knew that he was going to do. Of course, that obviously excludes anyone hosting or calling New York sports talk radio over the last several weeks.

Repeatedly, since the A-Rod to the Cubs rumors began, Ramirez was mentioned as a key piece in any New York to Chicago trade. See, the Yankees would get Aramis Ramirez and a top starting pitcher for A-Rod. Some even had the optimism to think the Cubs would include Carlos Zambrano in such a trade. And what was especially great for the Yankees, is that Ramirez put up similar numbers to A-Rod this year. So basically, the Yankees could get a cheaper, younger option at thirdbase, who was "just as good" as A-Rod, as well as a perennial Cy Young candidate. It made perfect sense!

Well, except for the fact that:
1. Ramirez was due to be a free agent, as long as he exercised an opt-out clause that would guarantee him a huge pay day as one of the best hitters on the market.
2. If the trade was SO great for the Yankees, why would the Cubs do it? (OK, look at some of their recent free agent signings, and you may have a case that they would be happy to make a stupid trade)
3. But even if it required giving up their best player, Zambrano?

And I don't want to post hearsay as fact, so I'll also just say that I've heard but could not prove or disprove that if Rodriguez is traded, that the Rangers obligation to pay part of his salary disappears, with the tradee taking responsibility. If that is the case, then A-Rod is pretty much unmoveable.

Poor Yankees. Stuck with a two-time MVP and mortal lock for the Hall of Fame, as he chases Hank Aaron's record. Hold on, let me get my tiny violin...