PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies could be headed toward another messy arbitration hearing.
The 2006 NL MVP asked for $18 million in salary arbitration Tuesday, the third-highest figure submitted since the process began in 1974. Philadelphia offered him $14 million, a raise of $4 million.The World Series champions avoided arbitration with center fielder Shane Victorino, pitcher Joe Blanton and reliever Ryan Madson. Victorino agreed to a $3,125,000, one-year contract, Blanton got a $5,475,000, one-year deal, and Madson a $12 million, three-year deal.
Right fielder Jayson Werth and pitcher Chad Durbin remain in arbitration. Werth, who made $1.75 million last year, asked for $4 million in 2009 and was offered $3 million by the team. Durbin, who earned $980,000 last season, requested $1.95 million while the Phillies submitted $1.35 million.
Howard led the majors with 48 homers and 146 RBIs last season, and was runner-up to Albert Pujols for NL MVP. But he batted just .251, struck out 199 times and made 19 errors at first base.
The Phillies and Howard haven't been able to work out a long-term contract. He won his arbitration case last year when he was awarded $10 million, the highest figure given a victorious player. Howard can't become a free agent until after the 2011 season, so it's possible he will play on one-year contracts the next three years.
Victorino hit .293 with 14 homers and 58 RBIs last season. He scored 102 runs, stole 36 bases and won his first Gold Glove award. Victorino thrived in the postseason. He hit a grand slam off Milwaukee's CC Sabathia in Game 2 of the NL division series and a tying, two-run homer in the clinching game of the NLCS against Los Angeles.
Madson was 4-2 with a 3.05 ERA in 76 games in 2008. The right-hander played a key role in a strong bullpen, helping the Phillies win their first championship since 1980. Madson finished the season as the primary setup man for closer Brad Lidge, who was 48-for-48 in save chances, including the postseason.
Madson had been eligible for salary arbitration, and could have become a free agent after this season.
The Phillies avoided arbitration last week with ace Cole Hamels and infielder Greg Dobbs. Hamels got a $20.5 million, three-year contract.
Blanton can earn an additional $25,000 in performance bonuses based on innings.
