After deals with Aramis Ramirez and Kerry Wood were finally in the book Sunday, General Manager Jim Hendry turned up the volume on the off-season, confirming the Cubs’ interest in Alfonso Soriano.
The free-agent outfielder with the ability to lead off, hit 40-plus home runs and steal 40 or more bases is reportedly seeking a seven-year deal that could be worth more than $100 million, making him the most expensive position player available.
Hendry took care of his top-priority signings. Ramirez agreed to a five-year, $73 million deal with a mutual option for 2012 for which Ramirez has a vesting option. Over the last four seasons, Ramirez had 132 home runs and 420 RBIs.
Wood signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with more than $6 million in incentives, including one for games finished. Though the Cubs declined his $13.5 million option after the season, he could earn almost as much in ’07 in a relief role, factoring in his $3 million buyout with the potential $7.75 million he can earn if he reaches his incentives and stays off the DL.
DOT COMMENTS
Chicagosports.com asked:
What do you think of the Cubs re-signing Ramirez and Wood?
11.0%: Like the Ramirez move
2.8%: Like the Wood move
80.0%: Like both
6.2%: Don’t like either one
