Report: Braves making run at Aramis Ramirez

Quote:

Report: Braves making run at Aramis Ramirez

Matthew Pouliot

Aug. 16, 2010, 9:13 PM ET

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Report: Braves making run at Aramis Ramirez

A source close to the Braves organization told Talking Chop that the Braves have pulled an offer to 18th-round pick Zach Alvord in order to save money and make a run at Aramis Ramirez to step in for Chipper Jones at third base.

The source said that Ramirez has yet to be placed on waivers, but that the Braves have talked to the Cubs about a potential deal. Ramirez is making $15.75 million this year and has a $14.6 million player option for 2011.

It'd seem like a huge commitment for the Braves to make unless they have assurances that Ramirez will opt for free agency. They're already committed to paying Chipper Jones $13 million next season, though there's the chance Chipper could retire or renegotiate his deal.

Alvord, a shortstop out of a Georgia high school, was expected to get second-round money from the Braves. The two sides were believed to have agreed to terms, but the Braves couldn't complete the signing because of MLB's reluctance to approve above-slot contracts in advance of the signing deadline.

hardballtalk.nbcspor...t-aramis-ramirez.php

Hmm, interesting.

I'd do it and then when Aram opts out we just re-sign him for cheaper money.

Interesting. I wonder if we could trade him now and re-sign him in the off-season.

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Originally Posted by cubfan23

I'd do it and then when Aram opts out we just re-sign him for cheaper money.

Why would he opt out of his contract to sign for less money?

Why would the 18th round pick want 2nd round money?

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Originally Posted by Chi-Town Sports

Why would the 18th round pick want 2nd round money?

Most likely because he's got excellent potential and he slipped because there's thoughts he's going to go back to school.

A lot of the best players are drafted out of high school in the later rounds and don't sign. Example, the Cubs drafted Lincicum once.

To get those guys to forgo school, you have to pay them over slot, essentially, paying him like a 2nd round pick. He probably slid because people were too afraid to waste a pick on him. An example of the Cubs is drafting Samardjiza in the 5th but essentially giving him first round money. That didn't work out, but many times they do.

If nothing else, at least it's fun to ponder.