If you haven’t heard by now the Philadelphia Phillies announced on Sunday afternoon that they have signed 1B Ryan Howard to a 3 year $54 million contract. the contract will expire in 2011, the same as his previous contract. he will be paid $15 million in 2009, $19 million in 2010, and $20 million in 2011. There are incentives if he wins the MVP, etc. etc. there is one clause in there that will pay him a $1 million dollar bonus if he is traded in 2010, that is sometrhing to keep an eye on. Just an opinion here, since there is no indrease in years to keep him here longer this might be Howard’s last contract with the Phillies, just an opinion.

The first sign of Spring is just a week away when pitchers and catchers report to spring training.