Comments on: Odds And Ends: Jan. 20

By: Tim Malcolm

Tim Malcolm — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:16:13 +0000

OZ: Jaramillo, though 25, is still considered one of the Phils better prospects. He participated in the Rookie Development Program with JA Happ and Joe Biesnius, a clue that the team is seriously considering him for a spot. As well, there’s talk they’ll heavily look at him in Clearwater to see if he’s ready for a 25-man spot. It’s Coste’s spot for now, but don’t be surprised if Jaramillo is up with the club sooner than Sept. 1. But you’re right about Marson – he’s the future as long as he performs well.

By: OZ

OZ — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:13:04 +0000

Mr. Malcolm – are you certain Jason Jaramillo is a threat to Coste? My understanding is that he was a one-time prospect who now seems stuck in the minors. Ruiz and Coste are popular and affordable. Ruiz is young enough to allow Marson to develop at a reasonable pace. Something I’ve missed? Thank you.

By: Tim Malcolm

Tim Malcolm — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:40:07 +0000

It’s the six years I’m not so sure about, though. I want to play it cautious with Howard, at least for this year. I may even think about dealing him if he has another great season.

As much as I love the guy, and as much as he is a great player, his position and ability make him expendable. Any team would take him before age 30 as their standout player, and he could reel in a bunch of players with the right deal. Plus, power-hitting first basemen aren’t completely hard to come by. Locking up Utley (a bonafide stud at a rare position for studs) was a much more important move.

Six years is too much for me. If they want to lock him in, do three to four years, past arbitration, and enough so he won’t be pissed. Also, just to clarify, I said Howard should get $8MM as in, that’s what I would’ve offered if I were the Phils. Obviously it’s $7MM or $10MM.

By: Brian Michael

Brian Michael — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:57:58 +0000

I’m wary to make too big of a deal over the Howard numbers. An arbitration hearing is the ultimate negogiation, so I’m not surprised they two parties are “so far” apart. Like Matt said, Howard’s durability is an issue, as well as his age; but he certainly deserves more than the Phillies $7 million offer – the Phils know that. They also know he will will likely get around $9 million.

I am more concerned about the talks for a long-term deal. I’m sure the two sides are wrangling over the length of the deal. I just hope the arbitration hearing doesn’t sour Howard on the Phils and jeopardize the club’s chance to lock him in for 6 or more years.

By: Matt Kwasiborski

Matt Kwasiborski — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:09:36 +0000

Howard definitely deserves the 10M. Last season, I was all in support of him getting the $900,000 instead of 1M as this was the same amount Puljos got in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Obviously Howard was the MVP in 2006 but there were (still are?) doubts of his long term durability at the time.

Howard’s overall stats were down in 2007 but let’s remember that he was hurt the first six weeks of the season and was clearly struggling at the plate. Once he was healthy he became a dominant force again and was being walked intentionally towards the end of the season.

It is silly to expect 58 HRs out of him every year and 47 HRs is nothing to be disappointed in. If he cuts down on his Ks and reports to camp in shape, he will be closer to the 58 HRs this season and may even surpass it. I mean, how can you allow Pat Burrell to earn more than 13M? I like Burrell and hopes he found his swing for good but he is no Ryan Howard and never came close, even in his breakout year.

Howard deserves the 10M and also deserves to become the face of baseball in this post-steriod world.