Phillies fans should be patient, as weeks will pass before the arbitration hearing takes place.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. GM Pat Gillick disfavors long-term deals. He is, though, optimistic about getting a deal done.
2. Howard already is 28.
3. Howard is a big guy who could suffer from the Bobby Bonilla and Mo Vaughn syndromes (sign big contract, worry about your nutrition less). To Howard's credit, he's in good shape and watches his weight.
4. Casey Close, Howard's agent, is looking for big dollars.
So, the question is this: Does Ryan get the same contract that Justin Morneau just got?
And, don't think for a moment that the Phillies don't realize what a special nucleus they have -- Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. You have to believe that unless Casey Close is being very unrealistic, the Phillies will reward Howard with a lucrative deal. Morneau-like dollars are not out of the question at all. After all, the Phillies gave Chase Utley a 7-year, $84 million dollar deal a year ago, so I'd predict a deal in the range of 7 years and $105 million.
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2 comments:
I would be nice if you were right about a nice long, lucrative deal with Howard. The Phils have too "piss-poor" a record of over-paying guys in recent years, for them to be nickel and dimimg Ryno.
It, not I (typo!)
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