Whats the deal with Ryan Howard?

Question

Ryan Howard is signed with the Phillies for 07 right? Whats the deal with all the contract talks, and why the heck arent the Philles jumping on signing him to an 8 year deal, i mean rookie of the year MVP winner, whats not to want to sign? If he doesnt stay with the Philles then where is he going?

well thats gonna be the best possible answer i tell u that much right now, thanks alot

Answer 1

Howard was an automatic resign, as is any player in the first 3 years of major league service. He isn't eligible for arbitration until at least next season, and he won't have a shot at free agency until he's put in 6 years of service time, which won't come until 2012.

The Phillies locked up Utley because he's hit the arbitration years and would be getting big raises anyway. They decided to sign him now rather than worry about arbitration over the next few years, then free agency. They're now looking at guys like Myers and Madson, players already arbitration-eligible.

I'm sure they'll lock Howard up, but they've got all of next year to do it before they have to worry about him getting big pay bumps through arbitration. Barring serious financial problems, though, he'll be a Phillie for at least another five seasons.