Ryan Howard Wants to Get Paid. Big Time.
Ryan Howard is a beast at the plate — ok, so he strikes out a lot — but now he wants to get paid big time.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard asked for $18 million in salary arbitration yesterday, the third-highest figure submitted since the process began in 1974.
Philadelphia offered $14 million to the 2006 National League Most Valuable Player, a raise of $4 million. Howard hit 48 homers and had 146 RBIs last year, helping the Phillies win their first World Series title since 1980.
Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens set the record for highest request in arbitration at $22million in 2005. New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is second at $18.5 million in 2001.
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder had the second-highest request this year at $8million. In arbitration for the first time, he was offered $6million, up from $670,000 last year.
Either way, he’ll get his money; however, Philadelphia needs to lock him to a long term deal badly, or risk losing him. He’s close to 30; thus, it will be interesting to see what happens with Howard the closer he gets to free agency.
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