After yesterday's game, Mike Quade threatened to return next year to guide the Cubs again. I would imagine the reporters would have fled the friendly confines in horror and disbelief, but, probably inured to the fantasies emanating from that dais on a daily basis they just turned off their tape recorders and dozed off.
Iron Mike further testified that he had no reason to suppose management had any problems with his style or lack of achievement. The players all loved him and blamed themselves for the team's failures, promising to try a lot harder next year if the team gave them all multi-year extensions.
When he was asked about the poor fundamental play throughout the season, he averred that sure it was disappointing, but he had emphasized strong fundamental play in spring training and he did not blame himself for the team's lack of attention. Most of the guys had tried real hard, so they were not to blame either. He was certain that if they all got a vote of confidence from whoever the new GM was, they would try even harder next year.
Finally, the skipper said he would like to have Zambrano's arm back next year, but he confessed to doubts that he could deal with bringing back the entire player. But that would be a conundrum the new GM would certainly figure out.
On another note, both Aramis Ramirez and his agent Paul Kinzer have made it pretty clear they are angling for a multi-year extension. They have stated they would turn down the one-year option the Cubs hold and opt for free agency if the Cubs exercised it.
Actually, that is not much of a surprise, and it tends to work out in the Cubs favor. The Cubs can exercise the option knowing Ramirez will turn it down. This buys them at least a compensatory draft selection. Ramirez has said he would consider an offer from the Cubs when he is a free agent, so the door is still open.
It is likely that Ramirez is worth around $12M/year for a two or three year deal. I would think the new GM would offer this kind of deal for two years with an option for year three or some kind of performance-based vesting option for the final year.
I've been of two minds on the Ramirez question. On the one hand, the Cubs have built their team around his bat for several seasons and they have been disappointed the past three even though he has had reliable production when he is healthy. So it might be time to move on. On the other hand, there are no immediate alternatives available on the farm or through free agency.
The guy you want to see opt out is Ryan Dempster, who holds a player's option for around $14M. I've never been a big Dempster fan simply because even though his numbers have been pretty good, he just is not a stopper. This year his stuff has very noticeably declined and should the Cubs bring him back for another season - and as it stands now, this is not their choice - they are going to be looking for a replacement very soon. Dempster wants a multiple year extension. Under no circumstances should he get it. The best result for the Cubs is for him to walk.
With both these guys, the Cubs are in a bad spot with a caretaker administration. It is unlikely they will have a new GM in place within five days of the season's end, so they are just going to have to make the best of it and let the players who have an option make up their own minds.
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