Phillies avoid arbitration, sign Ryan Howard

Unlike last year, the Phillies have avoided arbitration by signing Ryan Howard to a 3-year, 54 million dollar deal. Woof.

Considering Howard was asking for 18 million this year, and he is likely to demand more than 18 million over the next few years, then I believe this is a sound move. If the Phillies thought they were going to lose the arbitration hearing, it is certainly better to sign Howard for 18 over three than 18 over one.

Mr. Amaro, well played.