Big Money For Howard

The Phillies signed Ryan Howard to a five-year contract extension worth at least $125 million. Howard would make $20 million in 2012 and 2013 and then $25 million in 2014-2016. In case the math doesn't add up the Phillies hold an option in 2017 for $23 million with a guaranteed $10 million in a buyout.

Howard is 30 but its hard to argue with his production. The former MVP averaged 49.5 home runs and 143 RBI over the past four seasons in that shoe box they call Citizens Bank Park.

I'm not sure anyone is worth an average salary of $23 million per year in the current economic climate (yes even Twins catcher Joe Mauer) but what I wonder is what does this say about the contract the Cardinals will need to give Albert Pujols?

Pujols is a few months younger than Howard but has nearly 700 more games under his belt. Pujols is a better hitter (.333 career batting average to Howard's .279) and has a career OPS nearly 100 points higher (1.054 against Howard's .956).

Dare I say Pujols may get $30 million a year after Mauer and Howard each signed for an average salary of $23 million per season.

Beautiful Day

Spring must be in the air for this gorgeous Opening Day. Plenty of excitement last night as the Yankees' bullpen imploded (Damaso Marte with a stellar outing) and a near full slate of action today.

I'm happy it's officially baseball season again and that Albert Pujols never seems to disappoint (2 HRs).