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!

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.