Ryan Howard, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson and Eric Bruntlett filed for salary arbitration yesterday.
Big news? Not really. It's more of a formality than anything. Totally, totally expected. The interesting part comes tomorrow, when the Phillies and those four players submit salary proposals to MLB.
How far apart will the Phillies' number be compared to Howard's number?
The Phillies renewed Howard's contract before last season for $900,000 -- Howard was not happy about it -- after they could not agree on a multiyear extension. Howard could make around $7 million this season, his first as an arbitration eligible player. Could the Phillies and Howard agree to a multiyear extension before a hearing? I'd bet against it -- remember Howard can not become a free agent until after the 2011 season, so the Phillies feel no reason to rush into anything -- although I suppose they could come to an agreement on a one-year deal.
The Phillies typically come to agreements with players before they go to arbitration, but they might not find negotiations as easy with Howard. Beginning next month salary arbitration cases will be heard, if the team and player have not yet come to a contract agreement. At that point, a panel picks the salary it thinks the player deserves.
Either way, Howard will be a multi-millionaire.
Comments (15)
The Philadelphia Phillies are a racist organization....
Posted by Truth | January 17, 2008 11:52 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 11:52
You're an idiot.
Posted by Reality | January 17, 2008 11:55 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 11:55
He's a bargin at 7MM.
I don't see how they can afford to go to arbitration, not for the money but because it is (or can be) such a divisive process. They don't need to be talking about his negatives, have him take it personal, and torpedo chances for a long term deal down the road. I think that can be done in a better setting, even if it a one year contract. If Pat the bat drops off payroll after this yseason, then a long term deal looks better. Like TZ said, he has no leverage until 2011.
He has shown (so far) he might be a once in a lifetime player, let's not screw it up.
And Truth, what Reality said times 2.
Posted by jimmymack | January 17, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:31
"Truth"- regardless of the Phils distant past, Howard'a contract has nothing to do with being racist, it has to do with saving a buck or two and protecting themselves. With that said, I hope the negotiate a contract extension within the next year.
Posted by GM-Carson | January 17, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:31
Niiiice
Posted by Irony | January 17, 2008 12:33 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:33
I wish they could find a way to keep Howard happy for the next five years, but there may be no player better suited for management letting the system play out. He's relatively old for his level of major league experience and years until free agency. He has only one position in the field. He's a big man with the chance of his big size wearing down his knees in a few years. As much as I love Howard, a practical way of looking at his situation is the Phillies going to arbitration with him for a couple more years, seeing how his health is when he's in his early 30s, then assessing whether to make a long-term offer or trade him to an AL team while his value is high. There's a good chance he's the AL's future replacement for David Ortiz.
Posted by frankenslade | January 17, 2008 12:39 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:39
Seems there is some fiscal sanity returning to the free agent market. Lieber and Jennings have both agreed in the past day to one-year deals at $4 mil and below.
Any chance the Phils could get in on a lesser-tier fifth starter option at that reasonable figure?
Posted by Bob | January 17, 2008 12:43 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:43
Howard deserves Utley type money.
Posted by Cheese | January 17, 2008 12:53 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:53
A little dose of TRUTH and REALITY really gave a chuckle just now from thier posts!!
Posted by BB | January 17, 2008 12:56 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 12:56
I'm not sure whether or not Eric Bruntlett is white or not but if he is, I'd say the Phillies hate white players three times as much as black players.
Posted by Anonymous | January 17, 2008 2:10 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 14:10
The Phillies don't hate white players. They don't hate black players. They don't hate Latin players. They don't hate Asian players.
They hate overpriced players.
Posted by Scorekeeper | January 17, 2008 5:18 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 17:18
The Phils hate empty seats. I wish they hated losing as much as they did empty seats, but wuddya gonna do?
Posted by Jordan | January 17, 2008 5:31 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 17:31
I agree with jimmymack, I hope the Phils dont piss the big fella off, and he wants to bolt or causes club house trouble while he is here. He doesnt seem the type to cause trouble, but if the right buttons are pushed he could stir the pot. Howard also seems the type to be happy to get whatever the Phils give him, as long as its not an insult!
Posted by clinton, nj | January 17, 2008 7:00 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 19:00
not one team would say no to Howard... not a one! that's the only consideration anybody needs to give him the money he rightly deserves (and maybe more).
Posted by moorestown | January 18, 2008 12:36 AM
Posted on January 18, 2008 00:36
I agree the "big guy" isn't going to cause trouble. But remember. Who's involved in arbitration? AGENTS!!!! Sure wish the sport could get along without them!
Posted by Norma | January 18, 2008 10:07 AM
Posted on January 18, 2008 10:07