BY SCOTT LAUBERIt was a largely procedural -- and fully expected -- move, but Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels filed for salary arbitration today.
They were joined by 109 other players, including Prince Fielder, Jonathan Papelbon, Dan Uggla, Kevin Youkilis and Bobby Jenks. Other Phillies players who were expected to file by today included Jayson Werth, Ryan Madson, Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino, Chad Durbin and Greg Dobbs.
So, what next?
Well, 2009 contract negotiations between the Phillies and their arbitration-eligible players will continue over the next few days. If settlements aren't reached by Monday, players will submit their desired salary, and the Phillies will make their best offer. Each player will be assigned a date for an arbitration hearing (the hearings take place from Feb. 1-21), and negotiations will continue until the hearing date. In most cases, players and teams reach a compromise before the hearing. Last year, only eight of 110 players went to hearings.
Howard, of course, was among them. To recap: He asked for $10 million, the Phillies offered $7 million. Unable to make a deal, the sides attended a Feb. 20 hearing at the posh Renaissance Vinoy in St. Pete. A three-person panel ruled in Howard's favor, awarding him a $10 million salary in 2008. And after he led the majors with 48 homers and 146 RBIs last season, it's entirely likely that his salary could rise to at least $15 million, either through a settlement with the Phillies or another arbitration hearing. Hamels also is due a big raise. He made $500,000 last season, but his price tag skyrocketed after being named MVP of the NLCS and World Series.
OK, pretend you're Howard's agent, Casey Close. Or Hamels' agent, John Boggs. How much money would you ask for? Now, pretend you're the Phillies. How much money would you offer?
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