Well, Ryan Howard left his arbitration hearing today (Feb. 21st) a rich ... wait, excuse me, richer man than he was a day ago. After hearing both sides of this needless argument for five hours, arbitrators Robert Bailey, Jack Clarke and Goldberg sided with Howard and awarded him 10 million dollars for this upcoming season. Consequently, the loss still gave the Phillies a hell of a bargain for one of the best sluggers in baseball.
Considering both sides, you can't blame the Phillies organization for at least trying to save a few measley (3 million) bucks. Ruben Amaro Jr. is reported as saying they constantly tried to work on a mutual number "even on the way up the stairs to the hearing." So, no, you can't blame the organization when such a mediocre amount of cash can sometimes determine having enough in the bank to bring in a quality player or pitcher. But, regardless, Howard losing this arbitration hearing would probably have little to no effect on his overall performance or attitude.
Ironically enough, Howard makes history even when he's not playing ball on the diamond. Howard is the first baseball player with only a bit more than two years of experience to be paid 10 million for one season. Not only that, but in the 35 year history of arbitration hearings, there had never been a player to WIN that much money at any stage of his career. I say win in capital letters only because in 2006, Alfonso Soriano, who was seeking 12 million from the Nationals lost the arbitration hearing and had to settle for 10 million. (cry me a fucking river, cubbie.) So, yes, Howard and Soriano tie with most dollars awarded at arbitration, BUT, Howard won and Soriano lost his hearing.
Andruw (does the spelling of his name even need a snide remark?) Jones, with four years under his jock strap at that time, was the first player to win the most amount of dollars at 8.2 million in 2001. And, as I previously mentioned, Soriano ties Howard with most dollars awarded at arbitration at 10 million.
The best part about this whole hearing was the one simple fact that has been brought to light. The Philadelphia Phillies, until today, were the ONLY team left in Major League history to NEVER lose an arbitration hearing. So, HA, suck on that one Mets.
Howard's $10M win in arbitration sets new high-water mark
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