Aramis Returns to California, Signs New Four-Year Deal

The 2011 BRASSball Free Agency period is well underway. With hopes low for adding any new players to the roster, the California Roadrunners opted to re-sign their only restricted free agent, Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez returns to the Roadrunners with a four-year contract worth $14.26M.

In 2010, Ramirez had a down year to say the least. He hit .210 with 19 home runs and 69 RBI. He was also a defensive liability at third. So why re-sign him to this long-term deal? Obviously, the club feels strongly that a huge season is right in front of him, but Ramirez factors into the team's long-term plans as well.

Aramis will be eligible to play in about 157 games, which means he will be the team's full-time third baseman in 2011. Being able to plug in a guy at a position and know that you can run him out there every day of the season and be productive is quite a luxury. A luxury the Roadrunners were able to afford.

Ramirez's eligible usage is second only to Carlos Lee, the team's full-time DH. However, Lee is only under contract for 2012, and will be an unrestricted free agent after next season. This opens up the DH spot for Ramirez for the final three years of his deal, while Brett Lawrie and/or Scott Sizemore take over at third base.

The other factor is that California is gambling on winning the AL West next season. Sure, Santa Barbara pulled away down the stretch and is currently participating in the World Series against Springfield. However, it makes sense to return arguably the top third baseman on the free agent market to the fold. Ramirez will be expected to hit cleanup in most lineup variations, somewhere between or around Josh Hamilton, Torii Hunter, and Carlos Lee.