Wednesday was a busy day for the Chicago Cubs. The headlines ranged from Q’s coaching staff to Ryne Sandberg to the vote passing in Mesa to Aramis Ramirez telling the team he will exercise his option for 2011 and remain with the Cubs.
But Tyler Colvin, Brett Jackson, Chris Archer, Minor League coaching moves and Sammy Sosa’s bat were also in the news. Here’s the update … Aramis Ramirez
Aramis Ramirez “reportedly exercised his option for 2011” according to several reports on Wednesday. The paperwork has not been completed and must be turned in by Thursday at midnight. The official announcement is expected at some point on Thursday.
Ramirez mentioned several times before the end of the season he would return to the Cubs for the 2011 season.
Once Ramirez’s option is official, he will be paid $14.6 million in 2011. The Cubs have a club option on Ramirez for the 2012 season worth $16 million and includes a $2 million buyout.
Chris Archer
According to Bruce Miles, Chris Archer will soon be added to the Cubs’ 40-man roster (deadline is November 19) and the Cubs are looking forward to seeing him pitch in big league camp in the spring.
Tyler Colvin
Jim Hendry was asked about where Tyler Colvin will be playing next season during a conference call with the media on Wednesday … first base or the outfield.
Hendry said, “We’ll have to see what our roster looks like by the time we get to camp.”
Hendry and Mike Quade feel Colvin is ready to be an everyday player.
Camp Colvin
There will be a few more participants this year in what has been nicknamed “Camp Colvin“.
Colvin put his career in the right direction last off-season when he spent time with Tim Buss in Mesa putting on weight and getting in shape for Spring Training.
Josh Vitters, Brett Jackson and Darwin Barney will all join Colvin in Arizona this winter … and there could be more before the camp begins.
Cubs Minicamp
According to a report from Bruce Levine, “the Cubs will have a minicamp in January or early February with some of their top young players in Mesa.” Levine did not mention if the minicamp is the same as “Camp Colvin.”
Coaching Moves Down on the Farm
With Ryne Sandberg not returning to Iowa to manage next season, Bill Dancy is in line to get a promotion from the Double-A Tennessee Smokies to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. Dancy was named the Southern League Manager of the Year last season.
According to a report from Bruce Miles, Tom Beyers will replace Dave Keller as the Cubs’ minor league hitting coordinator. Beyers served as the Smokies hitting coach last season.
Sammy’s Bat
Sammy Sosa’s missing corked bat finally turned up and it appears Mike Remlinger had it all along. Remlinger put the bat up for auction and it was purchased by Grant DePorter, CEO of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group for $16,567.
Remlinger cleared $14,407 after the $2,160 bidder’s commission was removed.
The bat will be placed in the Chicago Sports Museum inside Harry Caray’s Tavern on Navy Pier.
Well, that’s the news … and I’m sticking to it.