Big Bucks for the Big Guy

The Phillies avoided arbitration for Ryan Howard for the next three years Sunday by locking him up for the next three seasons with a contract worth reportedly $54 million.  Howard will get $15 million i 2009, $19 million in 2010, and $20 million in 2011.  Since Howard was asking for $18 million in arbitration, the Phillies saved themselves $3 million this year and probably about that much the next two years as well if Howard continues at his current pace.

I have some mixed feelings on this.  Howard’s power numbers can’t be discounted, but was it really a good idea to give a guy who barely hit .250 this year a $54 million contract?  Some suggested that the arbitration process last year affect Howard in the early part of the season and contributed to his awful start to 2008.  Will having peace of mind all spring training allow Howard to completely focus on improving his swing and cutting down on his gaudy strikeout totals?  Possibly.

Of course, the Phillies could have also signed Howard to the three year deal so that he’d be easier to move in a trade should they decide Howard isn’t a long term solution for them.  It’s a lot easier to deal a guy who is locked into a deal and not facing the unpredictable process of arbitration.  Howard’s new deal, however, does inclue a $1 million trade provision so the Phills would owe Howard that much if they trade him before this deal expires.

The best part of this happening now is that there will be NO contract distractions this spring.  The Phillies have locked up all of their arbitration eligible players before pitchers and catcher report so everyone can focus on defending their World Series crown.