FRIDAY, 4:14pm: Ramirez spoke to reporters today, further clarifying his comments. He wants to remain a Cub and would only consider a deal if the team came to him. Cubs GM Jim Hendry asked what he wanted to do, and Ramirez told him he wants to stay. Aramis is not on the market (Twitter links from Bruce Miles and Carrie Muskat).
THURSDAY, 11:15pm: Agent Paul Kinzer tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that Ramirez remains reluctant to waive his no-trade protection this month. “He doesn’t want to go anywhere,” Kinzer told Rosenthal after speaking with Ramirez. However, Ramirez may still consider trades during August.
5:01pm: Aramis Ramirez has said all summer that he won't waive his no-trade clause to accept a deal before the July 31st non-waiver deadline. But his recent comments to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times suggest he's softening on the idea of leaving the Cubs for another club this month (Twitter link).
"I understand it's a business," he said. "If they're looking to rebuild, I can't fit in. So we'll see."
If Ramirez gets traded, his $16MM option for 2012 becomes guaranteed and he gets an assignment bonus of $1MM. He earns $14.6MM this year and currently projects as a Type B free agent. If traded, Ramirez would likely want his new club to drop the $16MM option for '12 so that he can hit the open market after this season, agent Paul Kinzer told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
The Angels have interest in Ramirez, the Brewers are looking for help on the left side of the infield.
