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jamesgotpoorman
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WELL WORTH $1 MILLION +
Howard gets $900,000 deal from Phillies, then homers
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Howard went right back to hitting home runs — with or without a long-term deal. A few hours after the Phillies renewed his contract, giving the National League MVP a $900,000 salary, Howard homered in his first at-bat of spring training to help Philadelphia beat the Cleveland Indians 6-4 Friday.
The big first baseman had hoped to reach a multiyear deal with the Phillies, but he certainly didn't look frustrated at the plate.
Howard, who led the major leagues with 58 homers last season, connected on Rafael Betancourt's fastball to lead off the third inning after drawing a walk in Philadelphia's three-run first. Howard set the tone for his run to the National League MVP award last year by leading all players with 11 home runs in spring training.
"So far, he's been tremendous in the way he handles things," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "He loves to play the game. I don't worry about Ryan in that aspect. He's going to get his."
Howard figures to be one of the biggest bargains in baseball this season — again. He earned a $355,000 salary last year.
His $900,000 deal matches the highest base salary in a one-year contract for a player not eligible for arbitration. St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols agreed to a $900,000, one-year contract in 2003 — that deal included a $50,000 bonus for making the MLB All-Star team, which Pujols earned.
Pujols started a $100 million, seven-year deal the following season.
Howard, who hit .313 with 149 RBI last year, switched agents during the offseason and is now represented by Casey Close. The slugger said he was disappointed that he and the Phillies couldn't reach a long-term deal, but he's ready to start the season.
"It's a little frustrating and a little disappointing that we didn't get it done, but that's the business aspect," Howard said. "Now you use it as a starting point. It's over. Now you go out and play."
The highest previous one-year contract for a player with less than two years of service had been awarded to Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, who made $690,000 in 2002.
Howard gets $900,000 deal from Phillies, then homers
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Howard went right back to hitting home runs — with or without a long-term deal. A few hours after the Phillies renewed his contract, giving the National League MVP a $900,000 salary, Howard homered in his first at-bat of spring training to help Philadelphia beat the Cleveland Indians 6-4 Friday.
The big first baseman had hoped to reach a multiyear deal with the Phillies, but he certainly didn't look frustrated at the plate.
Howard, who led the major leagues with 58 homers last season, connected on Rafael Betancourt's fastball to lead off the third inning after drawing a walk in Philadelphia's three-run first. Howard set the tone for his run to the National League MVP award last year by leading all players with 11 home runs in spring training.
"So far, he's been tremendous in the way he handles things," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "He loves to play the game. I don't worry about Ryan in that aspect. He's going to get his."
Howard figures to be one of the biggest bargains in baseball this season — again. He earned a $355,000 salary last year.
His $900,000 deal matches the highest base salary in a one-year contract for a player not eligible for arbitration. St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols agreed to a $900,000, one-year contract in 2003 — that deal included a $50,000 bonus for making the MLB All-Star team, which Pujols earned.
Pujols started a $100 million, seven-year deal the following season.
Howard, who hit .313 with 149 RBI last year, switched agents during the offseason and is now represented by Casey Close. The slugger said he was disappointed that he and the Phillies couldn't reach a long-term deal, but he's ready to start the season.
"It's a little frustrating and a little disappointing that we didn't get it done, but that's the business aspect," Howard said. "Now you use it as a starting point. It's over. Now you go out and play."
The highest previous one-year contract for a player with less than two years of service had been awarded to Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, who made $690,000 in 2002.
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Comments
Once he goes out and shows what a talent he is again this season he will be well taken care of.
-- Yogi Berra
Jay
<< <i>??? Had he signed a 7 or 8 year deal the first 2 years he would have played for a pitance anyways, that's always how they structure the contract (probably 900,000 in the first year either way). The Phillies did the right thing here, making sure he's not a flash in the pan (which I am more than positive he's not). But when you hand a third year guy a stupid contract it just brings up the prices of all the third year guys, which simply can't happen for the smaller market teams. Don't you remember when Thomas demanded stupid money after his second huge season and he got it? Made alot of people turn on him and they still haven't forgiven him. This is just the way the market works in baseball (well, it actually doesn't work but that's another matter), as long as he hits 40+ long balls this year he's set for life.
Jay >>
You are right, I just am a little suprised his agent didn't try to to stick a fork in the Philly's while Howards stock is so high. No doubt a smart move for Philly.