Aramis Ramirez's tenure in Chicago officially ended earlier this week as he signed a three year deal worth between $34-37 million with the division rival Brewers. The Cubs will fill the void at third base with Ian Stewart, but the hole that this departure leaves in the middle of the order still needs to be filled.
Let's take a look back at Aramis Ramirez's journey with the Chicago Cubs!
July 23, 2003: Traded to the Cubs
Aramis Ramirez was traded from the Pirates to the Cubs, along with outfielder Kenny Lofton. The deal for Ramirez turned out to be one of the best made by ex-GM Jim Hendry. Ramirez panned out for the Cubs during his time on the North Side.
Let's take a look back at Aramis Ramirez's journey with the Chicago Cubs!
July 23, 2003: Traded to the Cubs
Aramis Ramirez was traded from the Pirates to the Cubs, along with outfielder Kenny Lofton. The deal for Ramirez turned out to be one of the best made by ex-GM Jim Hendry. Ramirez panned out for the Cubs during his time on the North Side.
2003 Playoffs
Ramirez hit three homers in a game two different times during the 2004 season, becoming just the 14th player in big league history to do so. Rami's range factor was among the lowest among third basemen. He had a solid year at the plate but was so-so with the glove.
2004- Powerful Season Lacks Defense
Ramirez hit three homers in a game two different times during the 2004 season, becoming just the 14th player in big league history to do so. Rami's range factor was among the lowest among third basemen. He had a solid year at the plate but was so-so with the glove.
2005- An All-Star Season Ends with Injury
The Cubs third baseman was elected to the MLB All-Star Game for the first time in his career. He missed the month of September, finishing the year on the DL.
2006- Inks an Extension
Ramirez signed the extension that kept him in blue through the 2011 season in September of '06. He had a decent year despite a last place finish by the club. He finished the year with a career high 38 home runs.
2007- Leading the Way to October
2007 was one of Aramis' most productive years, leading him to earn the nickname "An RBI Machine." He drove in 101 to lead the team to the postseason, where the Cubs were swept at the hands of the Diamondbacks.
2008- Hank Aaron Award
Prior to the 2008 World Series, Ramirez was honored with the Hank Aaron Award as the best offensive player in the game. He increased his RBI output to 111 and knocked a career best 44 doubles during the Cubs 97 win season. The team was once again swept out of the playoffs, this time at the hands of the Dodgers. Aramis played in the '08 All-Star game as a reserve.
2009- .317 Average
Ramirez hit for a career best .317 average during the 2009 season. He played in just 82 games that year, missing significant time with the dislocated shoulder.
2010- Decreased Production
A-Ram saw a large drop-off in his number in 2010, indicating that his prime may be passed him. He is still a solid middle of the order option for most clubs.
2011- Final Year in Blue
Ramirez hit .306 and launched 26 home runs as one of the few bright spots during a tough season for the Cubs. He declined his option to return to the team at season's end before signing his three year deal with the Brewers this week.
Some of my fondest memories of watching the Cubs involve Aramis Ramirez. He has been one of the Cubs best power hitters over the last decade and came through with some clutch hits that led the team to the postseason in '07 and '08. With the departure of Ramirez, only two players on the team remain from the 2003 season (Kerry Wood and Carlos Zambrano) and the number of players from '07 and '08 continues to dwindle.
On top of that, the Cubs will have a huge hole to fill in the middle of their lineup. It will be difficult to watch Aramis Ramirez play for the Milwaukee Brewers.
That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!
2008- Hank Aaron Award
Prior to the 2008 World Series, Ramirez was honored with the Hank Aaron Award as the best offensive player in the game. He increased his RBI output to 111 and knocked a career best 44 doubles during the Cubs 97 win season. The team was once again swept out of the playoffs, this time at the hands of the Dodgers. Aramis played in the '08 All-Star game as a reserve.
2009- .317 Average
Ramirez hit for a career best .317 average during the 2009 season. He played in just 82 games that year, missing significant time with the dislocated shoulder.
2010- Decreased Production
A-Ram saw a large drop-off in his number in 2010, indicating that his prime may be passed him. He is still a solid middle of the order option for most clubs.
2011- Final Year in Blue
Ramirez hit .306 and launched 26 home runs as one of the few bright spots during a tough season for the Cubs. He declined his option to return to the team at season's end before signing his three year deal with the Brewers this week.
Some of my fondest memories of watching the Cubs involve Aramis Ramirez. He has been one of the Cubs best power hitters over the last decade and came through with some clutch hits that led the team to the postseason in '07 and '08. With the departure of Ramirez, only two players on the team remain from the 2003 season (Kerry Wood and Carlos Zambrano) and the number of players from '07 and '08 continues to dwindle.
On top of that, the Cubs will have a huge hole to fill in the middle of their lineup. It will be difficult to watch Aramis Ramirez play for the Milwaukee Brewers.
That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!
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