Relax. Howard's A Lifetime Phil

Everyone take a deep breath and repeat after me. "All is fine with Ryan Howard. All is fine with Ryan Howard." Phillies fans seem to be outraged that the big man hasn't received his asking price, or a long-term deal for that matter. The reason? The Phillies don't have to do anything. Howard isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2010 season. The bottom line is the Phillies have more pressing needs, like solidifying the pitching staff and upgrading third base. Word on the street says talks of a long-term deal are in very preliminary stages, but the Phillies hold all the cards here, and there is no sense of urgency to break the bank... yet.

While Phillies brass will never be called big spenders, they do take care of their own. Core players like Brett Myers, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley have all received multi-year deals before hitting the open market. Sure, the Phillies would be wise to lock up Howard before the market approaches A-Rod proportions, like they did with Utley. His seven-year, $85 million contract was a bargain when he signed it and will look like chump change in a year or two. But again, the Phillies don't have to do anything. A long-term deal will get done by next year at the latest. So relax. Howard will be manning first base and launching balls into the stratosphere for the Fightin's until he hangs 'em up.