On the historic day of the swearing in of our 44th President of the United States Major League Baseball players eligible for salary arbitration exchanged figures with the major league clubs they play for.  Ryan Howard submitted a new record number as he asked the abitrator to award him a salary of $18 million dollars for the 2009 season, the Phillies countered with an offer of $14 million.  Jayson Werth and Chad Durbin were the other two Phillies that failed to reach agreement on a contract before the abritration deadline.   Werth asked for $4 million per year while the Phillies offered $3 million.  Durbin requested  $1.975 million while the Phillies countered with $1.375.

Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton settled on one year deals prior to the deadline.  Victorino will receive $3.125 million while Blanton will get $5.475 million.

Howard is the most intriguing case and will certainly garnish the most discussion.  My thoughts are that if Mark Texeira is worth the over $20 million per year the Yankees spent on him the Mr. Howard is a bargain at $18 million!   Howard has led the majors in home runs and RBI’s twice in his short career, has been a MVP and carried the club on his back for the stretch run last year in earning a championship.   TIme will tell what the abitrator awards but I think that big Ryan has a very good shot at getting his number!

Chatter

What a proud day to be an American!  The inaugriation of a new President is always a special day but the historic day of January 20, 2009 will forever be special.   I am a huge fan of our 44th president Mr. Obama and am indeed very excited of the path he will lead us forward on!  God bless the United States for the unity that has been shown over the last few days and the forthcoming nature of our new commander in chief!  We are on the right and proper path now fellow Americans and we have the right man for the job!  Let’s share in his exuberience and willingness to address hard pressing issues and support him in his endeavors, a huge huge day for all in the world !   God bless our collective spirit and President Obama in this challenging time!

Rumor has it that the Phils were willing to trade Brett Myers in order to clear payroll space to make a run at signing Derek Lowe.   I am not sure I like that logic if indeed true, how bout now making a run at big Ben Sheets ?  Sheets is apparently asking for $9 million per year, if so then he is out of the Phillies bounds but if willing to take a three year deal similiar to Cole Hamels he may indeed be an option!