When’s the last time this happened to you?

You and your boss disagree on raising your salary. You have one number in mind. He has another one, a lot less than what you think you’re worth.

You wind up getting the lower number. You lose, right? Not if you’re Ryan Howard.

If you’re the Phillies slugger, it means you’re getting a $4 million raise.

The Phils and Howard appear headed to an instant replay of last spring’s arbitration. If you remember, Howard emerged the winner in that stare-down, getting a $10 million deal for his services for the year.

This year Howard wants $18 million. The Phillies have offered $14 million. There is no middle ground here. The arbitrator picks either one number or the other.

Either way, Howard is looking at either a $4 million or $8 million a year raise.

Happens to me all the time.