In 2006 Brett Myers was widely considered the No.

Outfielder Karim Garcia agreed to a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and was invited Friday to spring training.

The Phillies are expected to offer Ryan Howard a contract in the neighborhood of $1 million for the coming season, which would be a record for any player not arbitration eligible, but the Phillies would be smart to start discussing a long-term contract as soon as possible, because Howard doesn't want it to carry over into the season.

Chase Utley and the Phillies agreed to a seven-year, $85 million extension Sunday, avoiding salary arbitration.

Center fielder Aaron Rowand avoided arbitration with the Phillies on Tuesday by agreeing to a $4.

Brett Myers appears destined for arbitration and he is not happy about it.

Ryan Howard has selected longtime baseball agent Casey Close, who also represents Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, as his new agent.

Kareem Garcia has dropped 20 pounds, regained his power and will decide today whether to sign a minor-league deal with the Rockies or the Philadelphia Phillies, according to his agent.

The Phillies have indicated that Chase Utley, in his first year of arbitration, is the only player whom they intend to pursue with a long-term deal.

The Phillies have indicated that Ryan Howard should expect something around a $1 million raise over his $355,000 salary.

According to rumors, Ryan Howard is strongly leaning toward Leon Rose, the agent who represents former 76ers guard Allen Iverson, LeBron James and other basketball stars.