HOWARD SIGNS NEW 5-YEAR DEAL TO STAY WITH PHILS

The Philadelphia Phillies and slugger Ryan Howard have come to terms on a contract extension. The first baseman has signed a 5-year, $125 million extension to stay with the Phillies. The deal kicks in beginning with the 2012, after his current contract runs out. Howard is also getting a limited no-trade clause and gives the team an additional option year at the end of the contract.