The Break/Sports Thread #1 For 4/26/10: Ryan Howard Signs Big Contract With The Phillies

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Looks like he will be there for the rest of his career:

The Phillies signed slugger Ryan Howard to a five-year contract extension on Monday that will run through the 2016 season and guarantees him at least $125 million.

The deal, which includes a club option for a sixth year, will pay the first baseman $20 million for the 2012 and 2013 seasons and $25 million for each season from 2014-16. Howard's sixth-year option is worth $23 million and includes a $10 million buyout.

Howard's deal also includes awards bonuses and a limited no-trade clause, the Phillies said in announcing the deal.

The 30-year-old first baseman is off to a strong start in 2010, hitting .275 with three homers and 16 RBIs so far.

Worked on his fielding and has been a class act in the organization.

Good for him.