Ryan ‘The Hammer’ Howard Signs on for Three More

Big Ryan Howard and the CHAMPION Philadephia Phillies agreed to a $54 million, three-year deal on Sunday, and avoiding arbitration in doing so.

The 2006 NL MVP will earn $15 mill this season, $19 mill next and $20 mill in 2011. That will make the wallet look a little nicer, huh.  God what would I do with that kinda coin?  Howard also has the ability to increase his base salary by $1 mill in each of the last two years if he wins the MVP award during the previous year. He can boost it by $500,000 if he finishes second.  Interesting little clause if I’ve ever heard of any.

Great job Ruben Amaro!

Ryan Howard Wants to Get Paid

The Phillies first baseman asked for $18 million in arbitration Tuesday, the third-highest figure submitted since the process began in 1974.

Philadelphia brass offered $14 million to the 2006 NL MVP. Howard had a major league-leading 48 homers and 146 RBIs last year, helping the Phillies win their first World Series title since 1980. Before the season, he was awarded $10 million in arbitration rather than Philadelphia’s $7 million offer.

With the Yankees just shelling out $20 million per year to Mark Teixeira, I definitely think Howard gets his $18 million.

A good read over at MoreHardball, about what they would do with $18 million.

Phils and Werth Come to Terms

The World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies (god I love saying that) came to terms with outfielder Jayson Werth by agreeing to a two-year contract.  Werth will be paid $10 million over the length of the contract — $3 million in 2009 and $7 million in 2010.

The Phils also signed reliever Chad Durbin to a one-year, $1.635 million contract.

Phillies ink Madson to 3 Year Deal

One day after locking up their ace Cole Hamels for the next three years, the Phils did the same with their top set-up man, Ryan ‘MadDog’ Madson.

The team and Madson have agreed to a three-year, $12 million extension, pending a physical. The deal calls for Madson to receive a $1 million signing bonus, $2 million this season, $4.5 million in 2010 and $4.5 million in 2011.  He can earn $1.5 million annually in performance bonuses if he becomes a closer: $150,000 each for 30, 35, 40 and 45 games finished; $200,000 each for 50 and 55, and $250,000 each for 60 and 65.

Phillies re-sign Moyer, add RHP Park

The Phils re-signed left-hander Jamie Moyer to a two-year deal Monday.

The Phillies have also added right-hander Chan Ho Park, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

Moyer allowed three runs or fewer in 14 straight starts, from June 6-August 21, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to accomplish the feat since 1967. Leading the team in wins, he surpassed 30 starts for the eighth straight season.  Terms of Moyer’s deal were not disclosed.

Ibanez is Phils New LF

The Phillies have agreed to a three-year contract with former Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez. The deal is believed to be worth $30 million over three years.

Ibanez will become the Phillies’ new everyday leftfielder, and his signing means the Phillies no longer will pursue their longtime leftfielder, Pat “The Bat” Burrell.  Adios Patrick, you will be missed.

Ibanez hit .293 this season, with 23 homers, 110 RBIs, a .358 on-base percentage and a .472 slugging percentage. He is one of just five outfielders who have driven in at least 100 runs in each of the past three seasons.

Not too sure how I feel about this deal.  Ibanez is a great hitter, but he turns 37 next June and we signed him until he’s 40.  Not to mention another left handed bat.  Hmm..

Charlie Extrended through 2011

A World Series ring was enough for the Phillies front office to want manager Charlie Manuel around a few more years.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro rewarded Manuel on Tuesday and picked up the option for 2010 on his contract and added a guaranteed year for 2011.   Manuel has won two straight NL East titles with the Phillies and led them this year to their first championship since 1980.

Utley Out 4-6 Months After Hip Surgery

Chase Utley will need right hip surgery that potentially could keep him out until the first week of June.  There’s a chance he could be back near the end of March at the earliest, missing almost all of spring training.

There may be a bright side to all of this as the Phils could try Jason Donald at second instead of settling for Eric Bruntlett, who I don’t mind anyway.

Tadahito Iguchi anyone?

Some Phillies Parade Pics

We all know Chase Utley was hammered during the parade after his awesome speech but here are a few pics of others getting in on the action.

Werth with his Banquet beer.

Geoff Jenkins hitting up the local brew.

Chase’s face after a Shot.

So Long Patrick

Just in to the 215,  we’ve got word that a recent Philly fan favorite Patrick “Bait” Burrell will not be the Phillies left fielder for the first time since 1999.  We’ve all had our ups and downs with Burrell with his frustrating .257 batting average, but he was always good for a solid 20-30 HRs and 90+ RBIs and that production will be hard to replace.

Burrell reportedly turned down a 2 year $22 million dollar offer and will file for free agency.  That money combined with other departing free agents, could open up the dollars for the Phillies to throw their cap in the Ramirez, Holliday and/or Sabathia sweepstakes?  More to come….