Philadelphia Phillies Rewarding Players: What About Ryan Howard?

Today, Jayson Werth agreed to a two-year contract with the club worth $10 million.  Werth will make about $3 million in 2009 and be paid about $7 million in 2010.  The deal means the Phillies have one less arbitration case to deal with in the coming days. 

The Phillies also reached a deal with relief pitcher Chad Durbin for one year and about $1.6 million.

With Joe Blanton and Shane Victorino agreeing to a deals yesterday, all eyes are now to be focused on Ryan Howard, who yesterday came out and said he wants to be paid $18 million next season. 

The Phillies offered to raise his pay by $4 million from 2008, to a total of $14 million in 2009.  It seems to me that we are looking at one more trip to arbitration, because I don't see either side budging too much.

Credit should be given to GM Ruben Amaro Jr. for the work he has done to solidify the roster, bringing back just about everybody form the 2008 World Series Champions for the 2009 season. 

The only name that was lost that had any significance is Pat Burrell, and he has been replaced with Raul Ibanez.  The payroll was still expected to rise in 2009 with the World Series title and the number of players up for arbitration. 

Amaro has done what he can to lock up the arbitration eligible players, not being afraid to shell out some money.  There is something to be said about that.  There was a time when the Phillies were strict when it came to money.  Perhaps winning a championship helped to loosen that philosophy, at least for this year.

Will they increase their offer to Howard? 

Probably, but not by enough to get Howard to accept, I am guessing. 

Last year, Howard took the Phillies to arbitration in Spring Training and came away with a record settlement for $10 million. Receiving $18 million in arbitration will be tough for Howard, who is among league-leaders in home runs and RBI, as well as strike outs.  If Howard is smart, he will accept any increased offer the Phillies may give him before arbitration.

Not that $14 million is a terrible offer, right?