Tomorrow, the Phils and Ryan Howard head to arbitration. I'm sure most of you know the particulars. The Phils have offered $7M and The Big Man has demanded $10M. During the arbitration, each side will put on a dog and pony show and then make a determination of which side should win. There is no middle ground. If they believe Ryan is worth $7M, that's what he gets. If they think he's worth $10M, that's what he gets. In actuality, if the arbitrators think he's worth more than $8.5M, Ryan wins.
Lord, I hope The Big Man wins and makes those cheap Phillie prick owners pony up a few more bucks. In my mind, I'm finding it hard to fathom how he would lose. In 2006, Alfonso Soriano was awarded $10M. Does anyone not think that Howard, a Rookie of the Year and MVP winner in his first two years, is not at least on the same level as Soriano?
In any event, tomorrow should sure be interesting. Seriously, how can the Phils argue that Howard is not worth what he's seeking? This is the same team that blew $10M last year on Freddy F'n Garcia, but is holding up the best first basemen in team history. I'm sure they'll say he strikes out too much and isn't the best first baseman in the world, but I think that Ryan's production clearly outweighs those minor issues.
I just think the Phils are running a risk here of taking this guy to arbitration. I'm baffled as to why they'd risk alienating this guy. At the very least, they should be looking to lock up Howard for his remaining years of arbitration so that we aren't faced with this non sense every Spring.
I really can't wait to see how this turns out. According to the rules of arbitration as described in the MLBPA Collective Bargaining Agrement (finally, that law degree comes in handy), a decision must be made within 24 hours of the hearing. Since no formal written opinion is to be provided, there really is no reason that the decision can't be made at the time of the hearing, so we should know the outcome of the arbitration some time tomorrow.
I have a feeling that tomorrow could be one of the more interesting days of the year for the Phils. I just hope the Big Man doesn't let whatever the Phils' say affect him and his play this year.
Lord, I hope The Big Man wins and makes those cheap Phillie prick owners pony up a few more bucks. In my mind, I'm finding it hard to fathom how he would lose. In 2006, Alfonso Soriano was awarded $10M. Does anyone not think that Howard, a Rookie of the Year and MVP winner in his first two years, is not at least on the same level as Soriano?
In any event, tomorrow should sure be interesting. Seriously, how can the Phils argue that Howard is not worth what he's seeking? This is the same team that blew $10M last year on Freddy F'n Garcia, but is holding up the best first basemen in team history. I'm sure they'll say he strikes out too much and isn't the best first baseman in the world, but I think that Ryan's production clearly outweighs those minor issues.
I just think the Phils are running a risk here of taking this guy to arbitration. I'm baffled as to why they'd risk alienating this guy. At the very least, they should be looking to lock up Howard for his remaining years of arbitration so that we aren't faced with this non sense every Spring.
I really can't wait to see how this turns out. According to the rules of arbitration as described in the MLBPA Collective Bargaining Agrement (finally, that law degree comes in handy), a decision must be made within 24 hours of the hearing. Since no formal written opinion is to be provided, there really is no reason that the decision can't be made at the time of the hearing, so we should know the outcome of the arbitration some time tomorrow.
I have a feeling that tomorrow could be one of the more interesting days of the year for the Phils. I just hope the Big Man doesn't let whatever the Phils' say affect him and his play this year.
3 comments:
its a nothing day. 7 or 10 Million to a guy w/ only 2 1/2 years service. he's gonna make a ton of money in his career.
Dude, off topic - what the hell was up with Steven's picks for the shoot out last night in the Flyers game?
Timmonen I understand, but then Giroux? He just came up! No pressure or anything.
And then Briere...they better boo the shit out of him next, and every home game.
ok, lets stick to major sports topics in this blog. to compare minor league hockey w/ the best young 1B in baseball is a bit of a joke.
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