Aramis Ramirez

Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel expects the Brewers to re-engage in talks next week with the agent for free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez.

The Brewers haven’t made an offer to Ramirez yet, but owner Mark Attanasio and manager Ron Roenicke met with the veteran third baseman last week in Los Angeles. For what it’s worth, Haudricourt writes that he thinks there’s a “good chance” that they’ll sign him. Many believed that the Angels were a possible fit, but they are likely out following the high-priced additions of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson.

Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Brewers have not yet made an offer to free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez.

He does say, however, that owner Mark Attanasio and manager Ron Roenicke met last week in Los Angeles with Ramirez. Just because a formal offer hasn’t been presented yet doesn’t mean they’re not seriously interested. A-Ram is also being courted by the Angels, but they might back out if they sign C.J. Wilson.

Aramis Ramirez has declined the Cubs’ arbitration offer.

As expected. A-Ram will land a multi-year deal with someone this offseason, with the Brewers and Angels appearing to be at the front of the pack. The Phillies have apparently backed off.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Phillies are “backing off” their pursuit of free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez and are no longer shopping Placido Polanco.

While Rosenthal writes that it is unrelated to the Jimmy Rollins situation, it would appear their is some increased optimism to get a deal done. As for Ramirez, he continues to draw interest from the Brewers and Angels. If the Angels somehow swoop in and land Albert Pujols at the last minute, the Brewers would be in the driver’s seat.

The agent for Aramis Ramirez said Tuesday that the Brewers are a “favorite” for his client.

A-Ram is also drawing free agent interest from the Phillies and Tigers, and it’s not too late for other teams to jump in. The 33-year-old registered a bounceback .871 OPS with 26 home runs and 93 RBI in 149 games this past year for the Cubs. He’s the top third baseman on the open market this winter and would represent a significant upgrade over Casey McGehee in Milwaukee.

Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post reports that the Phillies are “strong players” for Aramis Ramirez.

Placido Polanco is under contract for the 2012 season and has an option for 2013, but he’s in rapid decline and Ramirez would represent a significant offensive upgrade at the hot corner. A-Ram, 33, registered a healthy .871 OPS with 26 home runs and 93 RBI this past year for the Cubs. He’s also drawing heavy free agent interest from the Angels and Brewers.

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News considers it unlikely that the Tigers will make a serious run at Aramis Ramirez.

The Tigers have touched base with Ramirez’s agent, Paul Kinzer, but evidently they view finding a starter as a much bigger need, so they’re setting their sights on Mark Buehrle. Ramirez, who is arguably the fourth-best free agent bat behind Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Jose Reyes, is drawing interest from the Angels and Brewers.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said that free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez has reciprocated their interest in him.

“He has expressed interest in us, too,” Melvin said. “That’s something I always like to hear.” The Brewers aren’t likely to have enough money to pay Prince Fielder, but they could probably afford Ramirez, and he wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize. A-Ram is thought to be seeking a four-year deal this winter and is also being courted by the Angels and Tigers, among others.

According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Angels have visited Aramis Ramirez and an offer is likely coming.

The Halos have been linked to Ramirez for the past month, so news of the visit comes as no shocker. A-Ram is also drawing interest from several other teams, including the Brewers and Tigers, so the Angels’ offer will have to be substantial in order for a deal to be struck anytime soon. The 33-year-old registered an .871 OPS, 26 home runs and 93 RBI this past year for the Cubs. He’s the top third baseman on the market this winter.