Ryan Howard asks for US$18 million from Philadelphia in arbitr...

Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies could be headed toward another messy arbitration hearing.

The 2006 NL MVP asked for US$18 million in salary arbitration Tuesday, the third-highest figure submitted since the process began in 1974. Philadelphia offered him $14 million, a raise of $4 million.

The World Series champions avoided arbitration with centre-fielder Shane Victorino, pitcher Joe Blanton and reliever Ryan Madson. Victorino agreed to a $3,125,000, one-year contract, Blanton got a $5,475,000, one-year deal, and Madson a $12 million, three-year deal.

NL Rookie of the Year (2005)

All-Star (2006)

Silver Slugger (2006)

NL MVP (2006)

NL Hank Aaron Award (2006)

The Sporting News Player of the Year (2006)

Home Run Derby winner (2006)

MLB Clutch Performer (September 2008)

Led NL in home runs (2006, 2008)

Led NL in RBI (2006, 2008)

NL Josh Gibson Award (2006, 2008)

World Series Champion (2008)