Good reason to smile

Ryan Howard was awarded $10 million in arbitration, beating Phillies' management, which offered $7 million. Not many people expected Howard to win, from what I've seen. The Phils' offer was in line with what the Cardinals gave Albert Pujols in the first year he was arbitration eligible. Nonetheless, I guess $10 million for Howard isn't terrible. Philadelphia's bigger problem comes when it's time to try to lock up Howard long term. Howard is a fan favorite, but I think the Phillies -- much like myself -- believe Howard's shelf life to be very limited. I think you've got maybe 3 years of top production, so it's going to put the Phils in an awkward position.

NEW YORK (AP) -Current baseball contracts with average annual values of $16 million or more. Figures were obtained by The Associated Press from player and management sources and include all guaranteed income but not income from potential incentive bonuses. There is no distinction for money deferred without interest:

Player, Club Years Avg. Salary
Alex Rodriguez, NYY 2008-17 $27,500,000
Johan Santana, NYM 2008-13 $22,916,667
Manny Ramirez, Bos 2001-08 $20,000,000
Derek Jeter, NYY 2001-10 $18,900,000
Carlos Zambrano, Cubs 2008-12 $18,300,000
Andruw Jones, LAD 2008-09 $18,100,000
Vernon Wells, Tor 2008-14 $18,000,000
Barry Zito, SF 2007-13 $18,000,000
Ichiro Suzuki, Sea 2008-12 $18,000,000
Jason Giambi, NYY 2002-08 $17,142,857
Carlos Beltran, NYM 2005-11 $17,000,000
Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 2007-14 $17,000,000
Carlos Lee, Hou 2007-12 $16,666,667
Andy Pettitte, NYY 2008 $16,000,000