Gillick Optomistic about Howard’s Contract
Pat Gillick
was quoted about Ryan Howard’s contract status saying ""We’re open to a one-year deal, a three-year deal, even in excess of a
three-year deal. I don’t think it’ll be a long-standing
problem. I think things will work out." Albert Puhols has been the model the Phillies have used so far when negotiating Ryan’s contract. The hope is they will offer a seven year $100 million offer to him like Puhols received. In a perfect world, Howard will counter with 8 or 9 years and a little more money and the contract status situation will be settled and Howard will play most if not all of his career in Phillies pinstripes.
It is more likely Ryan will be looking to earn an average of $15 million to $17 million a season for 8 or 9 seasons making a package of $120 to $150 million likely. If this is the range of what the star first baseman wants, the Phillies need to splurge. They are better spending the money now instead of waiting and paying more later, losing Ryan to free agency, or having a Johan Santana like sweepstakes. Pay the man Mr. Gillick, the Phillies fans want him here!
Phightin' Phils Phorum 