Pay the Man

So this year's arbitration hearing with Ryan Howard won't go as smoothly as the past ones. And why should it from Howard's perspective. The Phillies are offering the NL Rookie of the Year and League MVP $7 million for the 2008 season. Which is HALF of Pat Burrell's salary...(for twice the hitter.) Indeed, Howard is the slugger the Phillies thought/hoped Burrell would become. And then there's Chase Utley's 7 year/$85 miillion deal. But here's the key part of that compensation. It's guaranteed.

Is it any wonder Howard is not happy with the Phils' one year low ball offer?

Pay Howard the $10 million he's asking for and build goodwill for the long term contract he's destined to sign.

Ramirez and Ortiz already have two rings. Utley and Howard should be able to match that. And so should the Phillies payroll wise.