Are the Phillies out of their freakin' minds? Does it seem like they've just kissed Ryan Howard goodbye?

Question

What could management be thinking? He'll never stay in Philadelphia after this. Hell, the bat boy is making more money!!! What do you all think?

Answer 1

I wouldn't panic yet. Pujols got the same $900k deal the season before landing his current 7-year, 100 mil contract, and this is actually a sizable deal for a non-arbitration eligible player.
The Phils will pony up if he keeps producing. Of course, it won't hurt to get Burrell's deal off the books, either.

Answer 2

The Phillies made a good deal. It's not the one Howard necessarily wanted (I'd like to be in my 20s making millions of dollars a year too!), but he's still getting a great deal! He's ahead of PooHoles at the same stage of his career and, provided he keeps performing at the same level year after year, he'll be making a huge dollar amount. A good year this year will get him well over the million dollar figure next year. The Phillies are a business too and they are protecting their interests as well as trying to show Howard they want him to stay. As has been mentioned, Howard doesn't have much "pull" without being eligible for arbitration, just what he does on the field...which is FANTASTIC! Mark my words, Howard will have a multi-year contract that pays big big money by the end of the season. (Remember, Chase Utley went through the same "small" contract for year, performed well and now has a 7 year $35 million contract (I think, don't remember the exact details though).

Answer 3

He got Pujols money based on one year of service. He was a back up player last year. And last year was the first time he has ever had more hits than strike outs - by 1. Philly fans are so desparate for a player they've already voted the guy into the hall of fame. Anyone remember Pat "the bat" burrell? Philly fans thought he was the second coming until every pitcher in MLB figured out the guy couldn't hit a curve ball - and still can't.

Answer 4

Ryan Howard isn't arbitration elgibile. So, thats why he had no choice but to accept 900,000 dollars. When he gets close to free agency he will get money weighted against his value of a couple years , not just one.

Imagine if The O's would have gave 100 million to Brady Anderson after he hit 52 home runs?

Answer 5

the 900k for one season is just the phillies way to show ryan howard that they are dead serious in keeping him. they even had to restructure the contract or else howard would be making about 412k this season. his contract is actually the highest ever for a player with less than 2 seasons worth of experience. he isnt arbitration eligible yet,so he is not allowed to be tendered albert pujols money. the phillies would pony up the cash once howard is elibigle. philly fans need not worry.

Answer 6

Well if your getting to play baseball for free that would be pretty nice. And Ryan Howard plays for the love of the game not money. I would love it if I got a chance to play in the major league. I think Ryan Howard doesn't care.

Answer 7

He accepted the contract. Howard is very young, and most young players don't make millions. If he has a repeat year, then his contract will skyrocket. The Phillies are being careful, in case Howard gets figured out by pitchers.

Answer 8

First of all he accepted the contract and second of all the phillies are planning to him to a multi year extension during this season

Answer 9

i think so, it was a total slap in the face, the phils took advantage of the fact that he was not eligible for salary arbitration and gave him that embarrasing contract,smart cause they get another 50 homers for free pretty much but not very classy!

Answer 10

Ryan Howard=ROIDS