Phillies' Ryan Howard earns no-trade rights Saturday
Phillies' first baseman Ryan Howard earned 10-and-5 no-trade rights Saturday, reaching 10 years of service time (and at least five with the same team).
Despite Howard's newfound no-trade rights, it's not believed that his status would affect a potential trade, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. His contract had already allowed him to block trades to all but nine teams.
"I don't think it's a big deal," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the effect of Howard's new rights on a potential trade. "It's a big deal for him, for two reasons: I think he should be recognized for [having] the most games played at first base in our franchise. That's a pretty awesome feat, No. 1. And No. 2, obviously he's been a long-standing member of this club and has had a great deal to do with the success."
Howard, a former Rookie of the Year and MVP, has hit just .177/.235/.380 with four home runs and 10 RBI in 79 at-bats.
