As the arbitration bin nears empty, only one item remains unspoken for. Phillies fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their favorites are returning for sure in 2009, and that the possibility of back-to-back World Series titles can become a reality thanks to a strong bullpen and outfield staff. However, the fate of big slugger Ryan Howard still remains up in the air with only nine days remaining before pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater for spring training. Howard reportedly asked for an $8 million dollar increase in 2009, which would bring his yearly salary to $18 million, and make him the recipient of the third-highest amount for a player in arbitration. He was already the highest-paid arbitrated player in 2008, earning $10 million. The Phillies counteroffer fell just a mere $4 million short. Arbitration hearings begin on Monday in Phoenix during which a three-judge panel will decide just how much Howard's worth is to the club. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. is hoping to avoid the hearing altogether, however, and would like to reach a deal with Howard before next week when his case is rumored to go in front of the panel. Specifics as to how long, and how much, have not been discussed openly, but a contract may still be in the works. Amaro has already avoided arbitration hearings for the majority of his players that were eligible this offseason. Despite a shaky start to the first half of the 2008 season, Howard battled back, finishing the season with 48 home runs and 146 RBIs. Most notable was his unbelievable performance in September when he batted .352 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs, becoming a dominant force behind the plate and, no doubt, a major stepping stone for the Phillies' jump into the postseason. During his three years with the club, Howard's bat has provided 153 home runs and 431 RBIs ?- numbers that are nowhere near shabby and lead the major leagues. On the other hand, as a typical home run hitter, Howard piled up a hefty amount of strike-outs (199) and the patience of Philadelphia fans can only be stretched so far as the thrill of a home run is fleeting. Howard's batting average last season did not climb above .215 until July. Also lurking in the shadows are the countless errors that plagued Howard at first base, particularly during the postseason when consistency is a necessity. So...is he worth only $14 million, or should the Phillies not be so frugal? After all, what's another $4 million? The man may walk to-and-fro the batter's box amidst crescendos of boos until the weather warms -? his apparent hitting secret -? but he can bring excitement during a bases-loaded situation like no other player. Just how much should the tension of waiting for him to awake from his early season slumbers be valued at, not to mention the possibility he doesn't wake at all? It would be nice if both Ryan Howard and the Phillies took a moment to reflect on the millions of jobs lost in the United States and that, to even toss such figures around, could be seen as, I don't know...selfish? But there is a bigger game off the field apparently, and it's the seventh inning. Here's to hoping that what Howard brings to the 2009 season will also be worthy to the ticket buyers. In the meantime, fans can only wait and see as the countdown to Opening Day continues.