A trusted Angels source gave me the scoop on the team’s inquiries concerning third baseman Aramis Ramirez.
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Word is that Los Angeles offered first baseman Kendry Morales straight up for Ramirez and the Cubs turned it down. Morales, a 23 year-old Cuban defector, was called up to start for the Angels after hitting .311/.352/.463 in 42 Triple A games. He responded by hitting just .240/.302/.388 in 183 ABs between the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th spots in the batting order.
According to Baseball America, Morales’s defensive deficiencies limit him to first base or DH. Still, a team could probably get away with sliding him down one more notch on the defensive spectrum to left field. If the Cubs decide to retain the hot-hitting Ramirez this month, they’d better be sure he’s not planning on exercising his out-clause and testing the free agent market.
My source also indicates that Morgan Ensberg is unlikely to be traded given his shoulder condition.
