And then there was one.As contract negotiations continue with Ryan Howard's agent, the Phillies settled their other, lower-profile arbitration case today by reaching a settlement with utility infielder Eric Bruntlett.
Bruntlett, acquired with closer Brad Lidge in a November trade with Houston, has agreed to a one-year, $600,000 contract that includes performance bonuses. It's a compromise between Bruntlett's request for $800,000 and the Phillies' offer of $550,000. Brunett made $525,000 last season. The Phillies expect Bruntlett will be a back-up at most infield positions, including shortstop and second base. Bruntlett, 29, batted .246 with 14 RBIs in 80 games for the Astros last season. In 320 career games, he's a .250 hitter with nine home runs and 50 RBI.
As you know, Howard is the Phillies' lone remaining arbitration-eligible player. He's seeking a $10 million salary in 2008 or a multiyear contract. The Phillies have offered $7 million for 2008, which matches the highest salary offered to a first-year arbitraiton-eligible player. The sides will continue to negotiate until Howard's arbitration hearing, which has been set for Feb. 20 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
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Also, the Phillies designated right-handed reliever Anderson Garcia for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot for newly signed third baseman Pedro Feliz. Garcia, 26, allowed one run in two-thirds of an inning in his major-league debut July 7 at Colorado. It was his only appearance for the Phillies, leaving him with a 13.50 ERA.
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