When I received the news today that Ryan Howard had signed a contract extension, I was ecstatic and overjoyed. Ryan Howard is a key member of this Phillies nucleus, and he is the driving force in this Phillies offense. Howard was currently signed through 2011, but with the contract extension he is now signed all the way through 2016. This year Ryan will make 19 million, and next year he will make 20 million. With the new 5 year 125 million contract extension, Howard will make 20 million in 2012 and 2013, and he will make 25 million in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The contract also includes an option for 2017 in which Howard could make 23 million. So what does this all mean? Basically it means that the Phillies have locked in one of the best power hitters in baseball for a very long time. And although Howard is scheduled to make a lot of money, I like this deal in every way because Ryan Howard is an outstanding player. Forget about the strike-outs and defensive trouble, and look at Howards numbers. They are unbelievable. His rbi's and hr's are always close to the league leaders, and what he has done already in his career is unheard of. He won rookie of the year, MVP, and he already has 225 career home runs and 656 rbis. Ryan Howard helps this team win, and without him, I don't see them winning a world series in 2008 or anytime in the near future. Ryan Howard is a key member of this team and I am elated that he is here to stay. I think now the Phillies have to look to sign other guys like Werth and Rollins. The longer they can keep this nucleus together the better. I have grown up with Ryan Howard, I watched him come up through the minors and blossom into one of the best players in baseball. Now that he is signed long-term it will be extremely fun to watch what Ryan Howard and this Phillies team will be able to accomplish.
Yeah great but what will tickets cost over the next few years?
ReplyDeleteWas this a good business move? No. They had him locked up this year and next. However, if they feel it will make the big guy play better to secure a contract then I look forward to the 50HR, 130+ RBI seasons ahead. However, this does make me wonder whether or not they'll be able to resign a guy like Werth, who I think provides a major spark to this dynamic lineup.
ReplyDeleteYou have to wonder if management will shell out the money that they denied Cliff Lee to ensure that the Phillies offense remains the best in the NL next year. But, I'm getting ahead -- let's get through this year first.
Sean (www.27pitches.com)