Look, it’s early but then again it’s not that early. We’re into May and the slash line from Aramis Ramirez looks like a pitcher’s (not named Zambrano): .149/.214/.267/.482.
Perhaps as troubling as his struggles at the plate is the word going around that Rami isn’t seeking help from Rudy Jaramillo. He apparently feels he is a professional hitter who can figure things out for himself.
If that’s true, then that mindset is stupid. I don’t care what you’ve accomplished in life, everyone needs help sometimes.
Lou Piniella says that he may move Ramirez down in the order and move Soriano up. Personally, I wouldn’t mess with the success that Sori is having right now, but I’m not the manager.
Meanwhile, Ramirez turns 32 in June and much has been written about his opt-out clause which he can exercise after the season. The thinking is that perhaps he’s putting too much pressure on himself.
Of course, we’ve routinely seen players often post career years with impending free agency, so I hardly think that is the main problem.
I mean, if he stays with the Cubs, it’s not like his family will go hungry. This is a $14.6 million player option we’re talking about here. Since 2007, Ramirez has earned more than $53 million so money shouldn’t even be part of the discussion.
The other scenario is that his injuries are affecting his swing. Now, that one has more merit.
Ramirez says his shoulder is not bothering him, but keep in mind that surgery was recommended to fix that shoulder but he opted not to go that route.
And, he also had a right triceps injury which may be bothering him.
Well, whatever it is, he’d better figure it out because the Cubs need him. He’s not the only problem, of course, but returning to his old self would certainly help.
Last night the Cubs problems with runners in scoring position continued as they left 12 men on base. You see the high batting averages on many of these guys, but producing with runners on continues to be a problem from last year.
Hey Aramis, es cinco de mayo; es hora de ponerse en marcha.
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