GM Jim Hendry reported no new progress with third baseman Aramis Ramirez on Tuesday, one day after Ramirez filed for free agency and opted out of the final two years of his contract, which would have paid him a guaranteed $22.5 million. There also is a mutual option for 2009 that would pay him $11 million. The Cubs may offer a deal worth about $14 million a year for five years. That gap hardly is insurmountable, and the two sides have plenty of time to make a deal. Other clubs are not allowed to negotiate with or sign Ramirez until Nov. 12.