Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011Posted: 10:30 p.m.Updated: 11:30 p.m.
By Patrick Mooney
CSNChicago.com Cubs InsiderFollow @CSNMooney
Box ScorePhoto Gallery
READ: Samardzija, Russell closing out solid seasons
KAPLAN: The Cubs must have philosophy change
READ: Post-surgery, Wood will only pitch for Cubs
READ: What Ricketts wants out of next Cubs GM
Aramis Ramirez rarely shows emotion. If this is it, then there should be no hard feelings. Hes a businessman who understands that he may have played his final game in a Cubs uniform at Wrigley Field.
Probably, yeah, theres a good chance, Ramirez said after Tuesdays 5-1 loss to the Brewers. Right now, I dont know whats going to happen. But it looks like Im going to hit the market.
Those are the strongest words Ramirez has so far said about his future.
The third baseman left the game with a mild quad strain after his at-bat in the sixth inning. It sounded doubtful that hed be ready by Wednesday, when the Brewers will try to cut their magic number to clinch the division down to two.
The Cubs are a team in transition. Jim Hendrywho has a strong relationship with Ramirezshowed up at Wrigley Field on Tuesday to see a few old friends before the Cubs leave for their final road trip of the season.
If Hendry hadnt been fired, then its likely he would be negotiating an extension with Paul Kinzer, whose clients include Ramirez, Starlin Castro and Geovany Soto.
MLB
Ramirez has met with his agent this week in Chicago, but they havent heard anything yet from upper management or the Ricketts family. The Cubs hold a 16 million option for 2012, which Ramirez can void to become a free agent.
I dont know what they want to do, Ramirez said. We dont have a GM, so I dont know who you talk to.I think were ready to move on.
Ramirez, who will turn 34 next year, said he thinks he can play three or four more seasons. Hes made quite a salary drive by hitting .306 with 25 homers and 92 RBI, positioning himself to be the No. 1 third baseman on the market.
Ramirez had been playing through the quad injury. He doesnt intend to shut it down for the final seven games.
Im going to do my best to finish the season, he said. Hopefully Ill play in St. Louis or San Diego.
Ramirez took a below-market deal when he signed a five-year, 75 million deal after the 2006 season. He knew a big-market team would spend the money to compete, but now no one is quite sure what direction the franchise will take. His family is comfortable here, and his preference is to stay in Chicago.
Ive been saying that all along, Ramirez said. Thats no secret to anybody. But it doesnt look that way right now. At least we havent heard anything.
Patrick Mooney is CSNChicago.com's Cubs beat writer. Follow Patrick on Twitter @CSNMooney for up-to-the-minute Cubs news and views.