He's Still a Bargain

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.

How Weird! Howard to be renewed...

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)

Phillies Secure Utley

The Phillies have just given Chase Utley a well deserved raise. His deal is reportedly worth $85 million over 7 years. In a few years, this will be a bargain. Chase is one of, if not the best 2nd baseman in the league.

The trade-off for Utley is that he sacrifices some earning potential for
the security against injuries or a decline in production. Had he maintained his
production level over the next three years, he likely would've earned more than
this deal's annual value, but it also could have gone the other way. He'll be 35
at the end of this contract. (from Phillies.com)

I couldn't have said it better myself. Signing guys to long term contracts is good for situations like this and a situation like Donovan McNabb, where if they continue their pace are a bargain. It backfires on guys like Pat Burrell.

I can't think of a player who personifies the philly spirit more than Chase. The Phillies need more guys like Utley and Aaron Rowand. Guys that are going to get dirty and get the fans behind them. A new era of Phillies baseball is upon us... the Pat Gillick era.

I for one and glad to have Utley in a Phils uniform for years to come. Kudos to Gillick for getting the job done. Congratulations to Utley!

PS -- 24 days until pitchers and catchers report.