$125 Million
Today, Ryan Howard signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Phillies. Despite his flaws (200 strikeouts), Howard is a great hitter and run producer, and a lot of fun to watch. This deal seems excessive, but I don’t begrudge him for getting it. I will, however, take issue with this:
“I knew I wanted to stay in Philly,” Howard said in San Francisco. “I’ve grown so accustomed to the fans. It’s a special relationship with the fans. That wasn’t a very hard decision.”
(Quoted from the Sacramento Bee)
That isn’t exactly Mike Hampton claiming he signed with the Rockies because of Colorado’s school system, but who is he fooling with this type of cliche? I would love to hear one of these guys say “I signed this contract because it sets my family up for financial prosperity for the next few generations.”