Philadelphia Phillies slugger and Subway sandwich enthusiast Ryan Howard is asking for $18 million in arbitration for the 2009 season.

Howard's suggested salary is the third-highest figure submitted in the history of MLB arbitration behind Roger Clemens and Derek Jeter.

Philly.com reports:

"Philadelphia offered $14 million to the 2006 NL MVP, who is not eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. Howard had a major league-leading 48 homers and 146 RBIs last year, helping the Phillies win their first World Series title since 1980. Before the season, he was awarded $10 million in arbitration rather than Philadelphia's $7 million offer."

Howard asks for $18 million in arbitration [Philly.com]
Howard seeking $18M in arbitration [MLB.com]
The Price of Production: Baseball arbitration results [Thestar.com]