Breaking news

Well, that was unexpected.

Even though it's been hinted at over the past few weeks, I didn't think Ryan Howard would sign an extension. But he did, and now we have the big man in a Phillies uniform for the next three years. And for a not completely outrageous amount of money - only $54 million. Product of the economy, or does he want to stay in town?

So Howard will be a free agent at 32 years of age. I'm glad to know that we have him for his prime and that we don't have to revisit the topic of Howard's contract until after the Phillies fourth consecutive World Championship in 2011.

(Greg thinks this is all going too smoothly for the Phillies and that half of the team is going to break down in April - perhaps my biggest secret fear of this off-season.)