Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. says he's still hopeful that they can come to an agreement with Ryan Howard and avoid sitting down at the arbitration table. Then you read Jim Salisbury on the slight difference of opinion on how much Howard is worth and you think there's no shot in hell they avoid arb.
There were indications last winter that the Phils were willing to give Howard a contract in line with the seven-year, $85 million deal that Chase Utley got in January 2007. Howard's side has likely set $200 million as its ...
Original Story:
http://www.the700level.com/2009/02/ph...
