Phillies and Howard agree to a 3-Year Deal

[catman]

According to this story: Phillies agree to $54 million deal with Howard | The Phillies Zone | 02/08/2009
If this is true, he got what he wanted -- $18M/year, and the Phillies got a good player to stay with the club for another 3 years.

[NYgiantsfan5689]

nice one for both sides

[ljshorty89]

That's a pretty high salary, some will say he deserves it, but he's already 29, his defense is mediocre at best, and if his batting average continues to decay, he will be the next Richie Sexson(with less glove). We'll see, and it could very well be a good deal if he keeps hitting 50 bombs a year, but it's not without its risks.

[Foster]

I like the idea of making a deal over arby any day.

[love_that_reefer]

I was surprised by this deal because the Phillies made it out like they didn't want Howard past his arbitration days.

[missionhockey21]

A few tears comes to my eyes knowing that Howard makes more than Albert Pujols.

[love_that_reefer]

Howard still doesn't make more than the Commissioner.

[Kiluckzle]

It's gonna be a mess when Hamels and Howard become free agents in the same year.

[Saber]

No it won't, because they keep Hamels and let someone else sign Mo Vaughn.

[Kiluckzle]

Doesn't Rollins become a free agent in the same year too?

[love_that_reefer]

Yes he does. Saber's right too, Hamels over Howard without Amaro batting an eye.

[ljshorty89]

A 28 year old Hamels or a 31 year old Howard? No question. Howard will be a mediocre or worse defensive 1B, and his hitting will be just starting to decline, while Hamels will be a LHP in his prime.