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A panel of ESPNChicago.com experts ranked the Top 50 Cubs of all time.

Here is a gallery of our Top 50.

Who did we miss?

Did Kerry Wood belong? Randy Hundley?

Should Shawon Dunston have been left off?

For a team with so few championships, there is no shortage of Hall of Famers who have donned the Cubs jersey.

CHICAGO -- Despite being told by the Chicago Cubs' new management that they weren't interested in re-signing him, Aramis Ramirez said Monday he held no ill feelings as he visited Wrigley Field for the first time since joining the Milwaukee Brewers.

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PHOENIX – Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster downplayed his first-inning pitch that was not only up and in but knocked former teammate Aramis Ramirez out of the batter’s box.

Ramirez, the new Milwaukee Brewers third baseman, had joked before the game that he planned on bunting against Dempster in his first at-bat.

“It would have been a tough pitch to bunt,” said Dempster, who added that he didn’t know anything about Ramirez factitiously saying he was going to lay one down.

The high-and-tight delivery came on the first pitch Dempster made to Ramirez. So was it some type of message?

“No it just got away,” Dempster said. “I’ve seen too many times if you leave it out over the plate what he does. I was just trying to go inside. Probably in the back of your mind you don’t want to hit him so you end up letting it go a little early.”

Ramirez ended up hitting into an inning-ending double play. It was the only time the two faced each other in the game.

Not only did Dempster claim to not have any hard feelings toward Ramirez, he doesn't think Cubs fans should either when the Brewers visit Wrigley Field during the second series of the season.

"He put up some great years and some great numbers and I’m sure he’ll get a warm reception and things like that," Dempster said. "He’s on the other team now so I don’t really [care.] I want to see him make as many outs as possible."

Ramirez went 0-for-3 against three different Cubs pitchers, striking out looking against James Russell and grounding out against Marcos Mateo.

PHOENIX -- Aramis Ramirez is a different shade of blue these days, yet with seemingly no hard feelings about moving from the Chicago Cubs to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Dressed in his new navy uniform Saturday, awaiting a visit from his former club, Ramirez said he understood why he wasn’t wanted back after his contract expired and holds no resentment, except maybe for broadcaster Bob Brenly.

His disappointment with Brenly’s analysis last season was well-documented, yet the incident still hasn’t run its course when talking to Ramirez.

“He’s a broadcaster, he should just worry about calling the game,” Ramirez said. “He’s not a coach, he’s not a manager. He should just call the game. The coaches, the manager, the general manager, they should take care of that other stuff.”

What that front office did was decide to part ways with Ramirez. Ian Stewart was brought in to give the Cubs a new third baseman for the first time in 8½ seasons. If the turn of events irked Ramirez, he wasn’t showing it.

“I wasn’t shocked because right after the season my agent talked to Theo [Epstein] when he got hired and he basically told him that they were going to go young, so I wasn’t surprised by the moves that they made,” Ramirez said.

Perhaps the move would have affected him more had he gone to a club that was struggling, but landing with the defending National League Central champs has made his transition easier.

“It’s baseball, but it’s different; different guys, different teammates,” Ramirez said. “They were good out there, they’re good here. The only difference is these guys won 96 games last year. It’s different because they’re ready to win now. Theo has a different plan. He’s going young with different players. Here, they are going in a different direction.”

It probably didn’t matter where Ramirez ended up, he’ll probably have a rough reception when he returns to Wrigley Field. Moving to a division rival only seems to solidify that.

Will he be disappointed if/when Cubs fans boo him?

“No, that’s part of baseball,” he said. “I’ve been booed before when I left Pittsburgh. Every time I still go back, I spent a lot of time there, and every time I go back I still get booed, so I guess if they take it that way. I don’t know how they will take it. I don’t really worry about it, I can’t control that stuff.”

The Milwaukee Brewers officially announced the signing of Chicago Cubs free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez on Wednesday.

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Although the balance of power in the NL Central shifted last week with the St. Louis Cardinals losing Albert Pujols, whatever positives the Chicago Cubs took away from that transaction were tempered by Monday's news that the rival Milwaukee Brewers were signing Aramis Ramirez.

All of the euphoria that was taking place in Milwaukee with Pujols' 10-year, $250 million deal with the Angels came crashing down with the news of Ryan Braun's failed drug test that was announced over the weekend. Braun faces a 50-game suspension to start the 2012 season, and now it's obvious to any Brewer fan that the Ramirez contract means that Prince Fielder will not be returning to the Brewers.

The Cubs' answer to these moves offensively was adding David DeJesus, who hit .240 in 2011, and trading for third baseman Ian Stewart, who could only manage a .156 batting average for the Rockies last year. Since it's only December, you can't really say the Cubs are that far behind Milwaukee and St. Louis, however the addition of a big RBI bat like Ramirez to a still solid Milwaukee lineup -- even without Fielder -- was a nice preemptive move by Brewers GM Doug Melvin.

Will the Cubs be in the Fielder contract derby? Cubs team president Theo Epstein is a shrewd poker player when it comes to signing free agents. His signing of Carl Crawford to a blockbuster deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2011 is an indication that you can't look past the Cubs' executive when it comes to Fielder's free agency.

MLB sources tell ESPNChicago.com that the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and surprisingly the Los Angeles Dodgers will be in the hunt for Fielder. Also, don't count out the Washington Nationals, who made the surprise signing of last season, giving Jayson Werth a 7-year, $126 million contract.

Maybe the fanbase may not miss Ramirez all that much in 2012, but the signing of the former Cubs third baseman and free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez tighten the Brewers' hold on the division even if they lose Fielder.

Former Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez will sign a three-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, pending a physical, according to a source familiar with the situation.

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DALLAS -- The Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies have continued to talk trade over the last week about third baseman Ian Stewart, according to sources familiar with the situation.

During their week of discussions the teams have gone back and forth exchanging possible names in return for the 26-year-old Stewart. Originally, Cubs utilityman Blake DeWitt had been discussed. More recently outfielder Tyler Colvin and infielder DJ LeMahieu have been brought into the discussions.

The Cubs have also been looking at San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley as the Cubs look to get better defensively at third base with a younger more athletic player at the position. The Cubs are looking to replace free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez.

Stewart, who had a wrist injury at the end of 2011, had a completely lost season, batting .156 with no home runs and six RBIs in 48 games. He hit 43 home runs between 2009 and 2010. The situation remains fluid and medicals on Stewart's wrist are possibly being checked.

Colvin has been of interest to the Rockies as Colorado scouts feel he is closer to the player who hit 20 home runs in 350 at-bats during the 2010 season as opposed to the one who hit .150 with six homers last season.

Like all 30 major league teams, the Chicago Cubs have until midnight Wednesday to offer arbitration to their own free agent players, however doing so could be a risky move.

Third baseman Aramis Ramirez and first baseman Carlos Pena are both considered Type-B free agents in the 2011 free agent class. The signing of a Type-B free agent would bring a sandwich pick for the team losing the player, which comes in the June 2012 amateur draft. Sandwich picks are made between the first and second rounds of the draft.

If the Cubs offer arbitration to either, or both players, the players essentially have a guaranteed contract for 2012. Ramirez made $15 million in 2011, and after posting a .306 average, 26 home runs and 93 RBIs, agent Paul Kinzer could easily ask for, and receive, $17-18 million in the arbitration process. Although Ramirez has already said he won't return to the club, he will have until Dec. 7 to accept arbitration should the Cubs choose to offer it to him.

The situation is the same for Pena, who made $10 million in 2011. Pena led the Cubs with 28 home runs and had 80 RBIs. Defensively Pena was ranked the best defensive first baseman in baseball using a system devised by ESPN Stats & Info. The system showed that he converted 50 errant throws into put-outs. Pena could ask for $12-13 million in arbitration if offered by the Cubs.

Kinzer has had conversations with at least five other teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, about Ramirez's services. Ramirez is looking for a three- or four-year contract.

Pena's situation is a little different in that his agent, Scott Boras, will more than likely have his superstar first baseman Prince Fielder signed somewhere before he puts Pena on the market. Both Fielder and St. Louis Cardinals free agent Albert Pujols will establish an exceedingly high market for first basemen, with each expected to garner as much as $25 million per year. After both sign Pena may look like a bargain at $13-14 million per year.

Any team is still free to try to sign their free agents if they don't offer them arbitration, however they would not get any compensation should they sign elsewhere.

Left-handed pitcher John Grabow, right-handers Ramon Ortiz and Rodrigo Lopez and outfielder Reed Johnson are the team's other free agents. It's doubtful that any of these player will be offered arbitration.

MILWAUKEE -- Third baseman Aramis Ramirez' tenure with the Chicago Cubs is officially done, according to his agent, Paul Kinzer.

Kinzer, who is attending this week’s general managers meetings, said he will meet with other clubs this week about Ramirez’s future, but that he does not plan to speak to the Cubs.

“That ship has sailed,” Kinzer said. “We have a lot of interest in Aramis from different teams. But the Cubs will not be one of them.”

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The Chicago Cubs have picked up the one-year, $16 million option on Aramis Ramirez's contract, but Ramirez will turn down the option and declare for free agency, according to his agent Paul Kinzer.

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Now that the World Series is over, free agency for major league players begins. Here is a quick look at the Chicago Cubs players who may be moving on and my percentage chance of their return.

1. Aramis Ramirez, 3B: In a weak free agent market for third baseman, Ramirez will seek upwards of four years on a contract. The Cubs have had their chance to negotiate with his agent Paul Kinzer exclusively for the last five weeks. Instead they have decided to wait and let their new top baseball executives make that decision. The Cubs have a $16 million option on Ramirez's contract for 2012 or a $2 million buyout if they reject it. Ramirez has his own option where he can declare free agency regardless of what the Cubs do. If Ramirez leaves he will leave a gaping hole offensively in the third spot in the lineup where he had the second-most at-bats last season. He hit .306 with 26 homers and a team-leading 93 RBIs. He also led the Cubs in slugging percentage (.510). Unless Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer believe Ramirez is worthy of a long-term deal, his career as a Cub may be over. Defensively, Ramirez can be replaced by D.J. LeMahieu, but replacing the power numbers is another issue. Chance of return: 10 percent

2. Carlos Pena, 1B: Pena will be a free agent for the second straight season. The Cubs were satisfied with his season as he delivered 28 home runs and 80 RBIs. Defensively, Pena saved 50 bad throws from Cubs infielders, turning them into outs. He led all of baseball in that category, according to ESPN Stats & Info. He was a $10 million bargain for the Cubs despite his .225 batting average and 161 strikeouts. He set an all-time mark for Cubs first baseman with 101 walks. Epstein and Co. will have to decide if they want to put $200 million toward free agents Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder or bring back Pena. Right now the only other first base option in the organization appears to be Bryan LaHair, who led the minors with 38 home runs in 2011. One thing to keep in mind is that Pena is represented by Scott Boras, who also represents Fielder. Knowing Boras' track record, he will let Pujols set the bar for Fielder. Once Fielder is signed he will dangle Pena. Chance of return: 50 percent

3. Kerry Wood, RP: The 34-year-old inked a one-year, $1.5 million deal prior to the 2011 season. Wood turned down the White Sox’s two-year, $8.5 million offer in order to return to his roots. The right-hander had a so-so season, which was marred by an 18-day stint on the DL due to blisters on his right index finger. Wood’s season ended prematurely on Sept. 19 after he tore the meniscus in his left knee. The Cubs pitcher had arthroscopic surgery on Sept. 29. Money will not be the deciding factor as to whether Wood returns or not in 2012. The franchise icon said in late September that he’d rather retire than pitch elsewhere. It will be up to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer to determine if Wood returns. Chance of return: 80 percent

4. John Grabow, P: The soon-to-be 33-year-old left-handed reliever had two disappointing seasons with the Cubs after being obtained in a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2009. A severely damaged left knee took away some of Grabow's ability over the past two years. In 2011 he was 3-1 with a 4.76 ERA. He was not used in an important role by manager Mike Quade. The Cubs are well fortified with lefties, including Sean Marshall, James Russell, John Gaub and Scott Maine. Grabow will sign elsewhere. Chance of return: 0 percent

5. Reed Johnson, OF: The Cubs' Energizer Bunny turns 35 in December and was one of the most productive bench players in the National League in 2011. The only downside for Johnson was that he closed the season in an 8-for-50 skid. Johnson still hit .309 and had an OPS of .815, third-highest on the team. He hit .410 with a 1.208 OPS from April 12 through June 15. Defensively, he is still above average at all three outfield positions. A clutch hitter, Johnson hit .324 from the seventh inning on in 2011. The Cubs' new front office should take a hard look at bringing him back to fortify the outfield depth. Chance of return: 65 percent

6. Rodrigo Lopez, P: The 36-year-old pitcher gave the Cubs some solid innings as a starter after Carlos Zambrano walked away from the team on Aug. 12. Lopez could be a solid swingman between the bullpen and rotation if they decide to invite him back in 2012. A decision on Lopez wouldn't come before the winter meetings ended. Chance of return: 10 percent

7. Ramon Ortiz: After a non-descript stint with the Cubs, Ortiz would appear to pitch elsewhere in 2012. Chance of return: 0 percent

CHICAGO -- With Theo Epstein in place as president of baseball operations, third baseman Aramis Ramirez said he is open to returning to the Chicago Cubs next season.

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Now that Theo Epstein has been announced as president of baseball operations (and with Jed Hoyer expected to join him as GM), here's a list of five must-dos for the new Chicago Cubs brass coming out of the chute:

1. Solidify front office: Epstein has been working on his group of underbosses for the past 10 days. With the help of chairman Tom Ricketts, he is in position to bring in Hoyer as his general manager. The Cubs might have to fancy up Hoyer's job title, which is Executive Vice President and General Manager with the Padres, for the job description. Padres assistant GM Jason McLeod will follow Hoyer to Chicago. Epstein is reportedly trying to bring Red Sox vice president of baseball operations Brian O'Halloran with him to Chicago. Epstein must make decisions on the current group of front office people he inherits. Interim GM Randy Bush and scouting director Tim Wilken each have one year remaining on their contracts. Vice president of player personnel Oneri Fleita was given a four-year extension at the end of the 2011 season. Others on the staff such as director of baseball operations Scott Nelson and manager of baseball information Chuck Wasserstrum have been with the Cubs for over 25 years. Paul Weaver directs international scouting for the team. This is a solid group that Epstein will have to decide how to use. But his main guys are firmly in place.

2. Decide on manager/coaches: Mike Quade has a year remaining on his deal for $1 million. Theo and Co. if must decide if looking past Quade is the way to go. Rumors have had Terry Francona and Ryne Sandberg in the mix as possible replacements. Sandberg's name got out there because Epstein tried to hire him as his Triple-A manager before the 2011 season. A quick decision on Quade and his coaches would be the logical and fair thing to do for the group. Hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, bench coach Pat Listach and bullpen coach Lester Strode have one year remaining on their deals. Jaramillo, making $875,000, is the second-highest paid coach in baseball (Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan makes more than $1 million). Pitching coach Mark Riggins, first base coach Bob Dernier and third base coach Ivan DeJesus are unsigned for 2012.

3. Trade off the vets: Epstein and Co. must put their efforts toward trading troubled pitcher Carlos Zambrano and outfielder Alfonso Soriano. Zambrano should be easier to move than most think. He walked out on the team Aug. 12 and did not return in 2011. Although teams will be concerned with his fiery temperament and loss of focus, the 31-year-old Zambrano pitched without injury in 2011. Teams are always looking for starting pitching depth, and Zambrano at a discounted price from the $18 million the Cubs owe him will be attractive to teams after the winter meetings. Many sources say the Miami Marlins will come calling for Zambrano. Soriano closed out the season with 26 homers and 88 RBIs. The best spot Epstein can find for the 36-year-old Soriano will be with an American League team as a designated hitter. The Cubs will have to pay a large chunk of the $54 million still owed to Soriano over the next three seasons.

4. Address the starting pitching problem: Ace Matt Garza is under contract control for two more years. Epstein and Hoyer must talk to Ryan Dempster and his agent Craig Landis immediately to find out if Dempster is interested in picking up his $14 million player option. Although Dempster's record wasn't very pretty (10-14, 4.80), he can be an asset to Epstein. Dempster threw 200 innings-plus for the fourth straight season. Although he was 0-6 with three no-decisions in his last nine starts, seven of them were quality starts. The rest is up for grabs. Randy Wells, Andrew Cashner, Jeff Samardzija and Casey Coleman are some of the same choices the Cubs had in 2011. The Cubs will have to work hard on signing free agents and making trades. Top free agent C.J. Wilson will be asking for more than $100 million when he hits the market. Trades are going to be the only way they improve their starting pitching.

5. Improve the worst defense in baseball: The Cubs made 134 errors in 2011, by far the most in baseball. Although the Cubs had good infielders, their defense must be improved. First baseman Carlos Pena saved 50 bad throws which he converted to outs, according to ESPN Stats & Info. That number led all of baseball in outs saved. Shortstop Starlin Castro has improved defensively, but his 29 errors led all shortstops. Fourteen errors by third baseman Aramis Ramirez and 12 by catcher Geovany Soto were also NL-highs in errors at those positions. Outfield defense was not much better. Centerfielder Marlon Byrd's hustle made up for a lot of plays he wouldn't normally make. Soriano's play in left field is well-documented. The Cubs were not much better in right field after Kosuke Fukudome was traded to the Cleveland Indians.

Theo and Co., roll up your sleeves and make the same magic happen as in Boston. If you can pull it off, Mayor Emanuel will be naming the streets after you.