Cubs hoping Aramis Ramirez stays healthy, returns to old form

Aramis Ramirez has had an unlucky last two seasons with the Cubs, as he has only played in 206 games over the two years combined due to injuries.  From 2005 to 2008 he averaged over 30 HRs and 100 plus RBI and made two all-star teams.

The Cubs and Ramirez hope he remains healthy and returns to that all-star form.  He will be slotted into the cleanup spot and the Cubs want him to remain there all season.

Ramirez exercised a player option this past off season to remain with the Cubs.  He will be making $14.6 million this year and will become a free agent at the end of the year.

The Cubs projected lineup features four Dominicans in the field.  Ramirez will be joined by Starlin Castro, Carlos Pena, and Alfonso Soriano in the Cubs lineup.  Ramirez and Pena are both from Santo Domingo, while Castro is from Monte Cristi, and Soriano is from the famed San Pedro de Macoris.

Ramirez chats with Henry Blanco, by Terren in Virginia on Flickr