The Phillies dutifully gave Ryan Howard a well deserved raise. The Phils have renewed Howard's contract for 1-year at $900K. Both sides were hoping to reach a multi-year deal, but were only able to agree to this one year deal which surprisingly does not have any incentives.Howard, who made $355,000 last year, is in the history books as being the highest paid player not eligible for arbitration in league history. His contract matches that of Albert Pujols who received the same raise after his rookie season in 2003. That's not bad company.
It's encouraging to know that the Phils are now doing what this city has always wanted and rewarding their talent in an effort to keep them here.
Although Howard can't become a free agent until 2011, both sides are hoping to reach a multi-year deal well before that point.
Unlike previous administrations, this Pat Gillick team has a "goal to keep our star players in red pinstripes". With the recent signings of Utley and Howard, you know they're following through.
PS - Ryan Howard homered in his first at bat of spring training, only a few hours after inking himself a new deal. I think we're in for another fun ride.
2 comments:
It was great to see the Phillies approach Howard as the special player he is. I was a little wary about his attitude through this process. For once it seemed like the Phillies were doing the right thing and the superstar player was being difficult. I just hope a long-term deal can be reached next year before Howard becomes eligible for arbitration.
Nice blog man. I love anyone that focuses fully on the Phillies. They are my life. I just added your blog to my site. Look forward to reading a lot more.
About the Howard situation: It seems like a lot of people (radio included) have been freaking out about this that it isn't enough and that we will lose Howard in the future. A lot of people need to calm down and understand that the Phillies aren't going to be dumb enough to lose the new face of the MLB. Good analysis.
http://driventodeepcenter.blogspot.com/
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