Hot- Stove

Howard won his salary arbitration case against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday when he was awarded $10 million, the highest figure given a victorious player.

Howard made $900,000 last year and $355,000 during his MVP season in 2006. The Phillies offered $7 million, but Howard became the first player to win in six arbitration cases this season. Howard tied the record for the highest salary awarded in arbitration, received by Alfonso Soriano in his losing case against the Washington Nationals in 2006. Soriano had sought $12 million.

Howard batted .268 with 47 homers and 136 RBIs last season in what was considered a down year for him. In 2006 he had 58 homers, 149 RBIs and a .313 average, one of the best seasons by a second-year player.

Ryan Howard got a raise. He’s still one of the biggest bargains in baseball, though. The Philadelphia Phillies renewed the NL MVP’s contract Friday, giving the first baseman a $900,000 salary after the sides failed to agree on a long-term deal. The figure matches the highest base salary in a one-year contract for a player not eligible for arbitration

Howard, who had a $355,000 salary last year, said he was disappointed the sides couldn’t reach a long-term deal, but he’s ready to start the season.

Howard, who hit .313 with 58 home runs and 149 RBIs last season, switched agents during the offseason and is now represented by Casey Close.

The highest previous one-year contract for a player with less than two years of service had been awarded to Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, who made $690,000 in 2002.