So Howard gets $900,000 for this season after what he did last year? There is some 'two year rule' where players only see the big bucks after they have been in the the majors two seasons? Perhaps I don't pay attention to contracts enough, but it seems like Howard should be making a lot more than $900,000. Can someone clear this up for me?
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"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested." - Harry Caray
It's one thing cause his contract wasn't up, but the Phillies are dumb. I would do everything possible to make this guy happy so I can resign him long term. He's young, big bat in the middle of the line-up. If he ends up bolting in free agency I think the Phillies could be regreting it.
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"In big games, the action slows down for him where it speeds up for others. I've told him, 'I'll trade my past for your future.'" -Reggie Jackson on Derek Jeter
Baseball is really unlike any other sport in the way contracts are structured. Essentially teams own certain players up to a point (which is why everyone puts so much emphasis on developing their farm systems and bringing up their own players). Howard hasn't been in the league long enough to earn arbitration status, and then after that you become a normal free agent. Most teams try to sign their young talent to a "real" deal especially someone like Howard. An example of this would be the Mets with Reyes and Wright. In Howard's case, and also recently Prince Fielder, the team couldn't come to acceptable terms so they have no choice but to renew the contract at a price they (the team) determines. For reference, Howards deal is the largest renewed contract ever, with good cause, but obviously it doesn't measure up to what it would be if he was a free agent, or even in arbitration.
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Do you guys want the truth...or do you want to see me hit some dingers?!?
i dont understand how you cant get a deal done long term with a guy like that
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"In big games, the action slows down for him where it speeds up for others. I've told him, 'I'll trade my past for your future.'" -Reggie Jackson on Derek Jeter