Ryan Howard and the Phillies have turned their backs on the table and are heading to arbitration.

Howard to Arbitration

Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies are set to go arbitration on February 20. Howard was asking for $10 million for 2008 and the Phillies on offered $7 million. The Three million dollar difference is the largest among the 48 players that were tendered pre-arbitration contracts. Howard over the last two seasons has led the league with 105 home runs and 285 RBI. Last season, Howard hit .268 with 47 home runs and 136 RBI. Look for Howard to continue hit dominance at the dish this season. If Howard can learn to be more patient at the plate, you will see all of his numbers reach record-breaking highs.

Headed to the Bank

The Colorado Rockies and star short stop Troy Tulowitzki agreed to a six-year deal worth $31 million. Last season, Tulowitzki went into spring training with the hopes of just making the roster, but this year he has no reason to worry. The 23-year-old shot into the big leagues hitting .291 with 24 home runs and 99 RBI. The NL Rookie of the Year runner up is using last seasons disappointing loss in the World Series as motivation for this season, but do not expect him to exceed last year’s numbers. Most star players go into a “Sophomore Slump” after experiencing such huge success in their rookie year. Look for Tulowitzki to hit .280 with 15 home runs and 80 RBI. His fielding is one thing that will feel no impact from a “Sophomore Slump”.

No Love for Nathan

The Minnesota Twins and Joe Nathan have yet to seriously discuss a contract extension to keep him after the 2008 season. Nathan has said that he understands that the Twins are focusing on trying to trade the staff ace Johan Santana, and he is willing to wait and see what the Twins want to do with him. If the Twins dump Santana, there will be no use for an expensive veteran closer. As of today the Twins are not shopping Nathan, but if a team makes an offer that the Twins cannot refuse, Nathan will be shipped off. Nathan’s stock will reach its highest on July 31st as contending teams are always looking for experienced relief help to take down the stretch.

While the Twins ignore Nathan, teammates Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer both sign huge contract extensions. Morneau signed a one-year, $7.4 million extension last week, but both parties decided that just one year was not enough. Morneau’s new contract is a six-year deal worth $80 million. Last season, Morneau hit .271 with 31 home runs and 111 RBI. Those numbers do not justify an $80 million contract, but his 2006 campaign was a MVP caliber year. Michael Cuddyer signed a three-year deal worth $24 million. Cuddyer saw his numbers drop last season but his .276 average and 16 home runs with 81 RBI is still a solid year for most right fielders. By re-signing Cuddyer and Morneau, the Twins may helped their fans get over letting fan favorite Torii Hunter go to Los Angeles via free agency.

Cano Gets Inked

The New York Yankees and 25-year-old Robinson Cano have reached a preliminary agreement on deal that could keep him in the Bronx through the 2013 season. The four-year, $30 million deal with options for the 2012 and the 2013 seasons. Cano last season hit .306 with 19 home runs and 97 RBI. Cano’s deal breaks the previous Yankee rule about giving young players multi-year deals. Cano this season will continue to show improvement by hitting .310 with 20 home runs and 100 RBI. An underrated attribute of Cano is his speed. He may not steal many bases but he has the speed to stretch hits in to doubles and triples.

Shipping Out

Once again, the Orioles and the Mariners appear to be close on a deal that could send Érik Bédard to Seattle. If the Orioles do not trade Bédard before the trade deadline in July, he will probably take his chances with the free agent market next year. Bedard feels that O’s have mistreated him and he really does not want to suffer through a rebuilding period either. Adam Jones is a likely part of any trade, but the Orioles really want young pitcher Chris Tillman and young shortstop Carlos Triunfel. Triunfel is only 17, but he could turn out to be the next Derek Jeter or Miguel Tejada. The only hole in his game is his horrible defense. This trade could go through before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, but the deal completely depends on the Mariners willingness to give up Triunfel.

Noteworthy News

• The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms with pitcher Kyle Snyder on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract.

• The Los Angeles Dodgers have given Mike Myers a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.

• The Oakland Athletics claimed outfielder Jeff Fiorentino off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds

• The Atlanta Braves agreed to terms with pitcher Rafael Soriano on a two-year contract worth $9 million.

• The Cleveland Indians signed pitcher Rafael Betancourt to a two-year contract with a club option for 2010. The value of the contract has not been made public at this time.