Feb. 15 -- DAY 2: HOWARD SPEAKS

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The formal press conference never happened. Neither did the live telecast. And, at the advice of his agent, Ryan Howard didn't speak directly about his contract stalemate either.

But after taking batting practice and working on his defense with infield coach Steve Smith, Howard did address the media for the first time since reporting to camp yesterday. Some of you suggested the same questions I had in mind, and we'll have some answers in the 50-center tomorrow. Most notably, however, Howard vowed not to let his impending arbitration hearing Wednesday affect his on-field performance, regardless of how things turn out.

"I'm focused on trying come out here and get better and get ready for the season," said Howard, who arrived in camp five days early and 10 pounds lighter. "All the other stuff, all the outside stuff, that's just that. I'm here. I'm working. I'm going to try to be the best I can for the team."

To review: Howard wants to be paid $10 million in 2008 after making $900,000 last year. The Phillies are offering $7 million, matching the highest one-year salary proposal for a first-year arbitration-eligible player. If the sides can't reach an agreement before Wednesday, a three-person panel will pick Howard's request or the Phillies offer.

Arbitration hearings often can be contentious, with the team usually making its case by citing the player's flaws. Howard, 28, leads the majors in home runs (105) and RBIs (285) over the past two seasons, but his defense has been shaky and he set a major-league record with 199 strikeouts last season.

GM Pat Gillick said last month that the club isn't worried about causing a rift with Howard, but he was mum on the subject when pressed by reporters today.

"I'm not commenting on anything regarding this contract whatsoever," Gillick said. "Nothing at all. He's here, and I think he's getting himself ready for the 2008 season. If there was a problem, he wouldn't be here."