Gone are the days when we we would wait until the last possible moment to offer our talent a desperation contract to try and keep him in the city. (see Scott Rolen and Curt Schilling). And if we did lock up our talent, it was a mistake (see Pat Burrell).We're now in the days where we're locking up our big name talent years before we really have to worry about it. Utley received his $85 million, and now the Phils are negotiating with Ryan Howard's agent for a deal to give him what he deserves.
We're taking a page out of the Joe Banner/Andy Reid Book of "How to Run a Sports Franchise". Kudos to Pat Gillick, and I can assume Reuben Amaro should get some credit too... for keeping their talent happy.
Philly.com has the report.
Here are the details:
- These are preliminary talks with Ryan Howard's agent, Casey Close.
- There will be a one-year or multi-year deal by March 2.
- It is expected Howard will be rewarded with more than $1 million
- Howard is not eligible for free agency until 2011, and eligible for salary arbitration after the 2007 season.
It appears as if Ryan Howard's contagious smile is about to get bigger. Congrats Ryan! You deserve every penny.
PS - First full squad workout is tomorrow.
PSS - Did you know the BJ Novak character on the office is named Ryan Howard?(he was the intern)
1 comment:
It is very nice indeed to see the Phils doing the right thing for once!
McD
www.vonhayes.blogspot.com
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