Aramis Ramirez Signs Flexible, Four Year 42 mil Deal With The Cubs

[SoCal Pinstriper]

He has an out clause.

If he decides free agency offers him a better situation and greater financial flexibility after 2006, Ramirez can leave Chicago or ask the Cubs for a reworked contract at higher numbers.

That sped up the negotiating process, and by 10 a.m. Monday, just hours before the first pitch of the season, Ramirez had agreed to a package that also includes a fifth-year option in 2009 for $11 million that automatically vests if he plays at least 270 games in '07 and '08.

If it doesn't vest, the Cubs can pick up the option. Ramirez also has the choice if it vests to opt out of the fifth year and renegotiate. He was given latitude throughout the contract, which pays him $8 million this season with a $1 million signing bonus, $10.5 million in '06, $11 million in '07 and $11.5 million in '08.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-csep05.html

Still not a bad deal for the Cubs, IMO. He improved with the glove last year, and proved capable of carrying the team for weeks at a time when Sosa disappeared.

[JJazz]

Doesn't sound like a good deal to me unless you're sure the guy develops and doesn't get injured. The Cubs took on four years of downside risk, without also getting the ceiling upside benefits. If Ramirez starts hitting like Ortiz, they don't get to keep him without paying. If Ramirez starts hitting like Womack, they're stuck with him.