Brett Myers lost more weight during the offseason than Ryan Howard did -- 30 pounds to Howard's 20. But Myers, whose three-year, $25.75 million contract expires after the 2009 season, says the slim-down to 222 pounds wasn't about getting fit for free agency, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
"Winning the World Series was great, but personally I had a bad taste in my mouth this winter because of how badly I pitched in the first half of the season," Myers said, according to the newspaper. "I wanted to feel like I was in better shape and show my dedication to this team so I can go out and pitch better. I need to start stronger. I lost nine games in the first half. It would have made a big difference if I had pitched better."
Myers went 7-4 with a 3.06 ERA in his final 13 starts to help the Phillies win the National League East -- and eventually, the World Series. He says he's not worried about a contract extension, according to the report.
"I'd like to stay in Philadelphia, but ultimately it's going to come down to how I pitch," he said, according to the Inquirer. "If I end up staying here, that will be good for me and my family, because the organization has been great to me and we like living there."