by John Ryan
When the 2008 season ends (and the Phillies presumably miss the playoffs), Ryan Howard will have amassed statistics that to this point are only comparable to Babe Ruth. That’s right. The Sultan of Swat. The Colossus of Clout. The Great Bambino (not the Great Bambi, that wimpy dear). What does that mean for the Phillies? Nothing, yet. Ryan Howard will be a Philadelphia Phillie in 2009. In 2010? That’s a question of debate, and it’s answer probably lies somewhere between a coin toss and a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest. When the St. Lunatic lines up at the cash register after 2009, the Phillies will presumably decide that historic contracts are not their organizational philosophy and trade Howard to what could amount to nothing (or maybe something, depends on the GM).
As of right now, the odds on favorite is Ruben Amaro, Jr. Ruben plays his cards close to his chest, and was mentored by Ed Wade. Two strikes against him in this town. Trading Ryan Howard may not be his worst offense in the PR department (please see: mentored by Wade, Ed). While it’s impossible to tell what the Phillies needs may be in 2010, the simple logic says any trade will involve a pitcher. But what team needs (or can afford the afore-mentioned contarct) a player like Howard? There in lies the problem with trading Howard (and keeping him). Howard’s career stats in HR and RBI read like Babe Ruth’s when he gave up pitching but look like Jose Castillo’s in the K department. He also has the fielding acumen of a man his size: un-ballerina like is how we’ll describe it. As hard as it is to surmise the needs of the Phillies at that point, it’s equally as hard to predict who will need a power hitter of Howard’s magnitude in 2010. The easy answer is anyone. But baseball isn’t easy. The Mets Carlos Delgado will be done by then. No way. Giambi could sign a one-year deal next year and in 2010 the Yankees will have a void at 1B. Maybe. Detroit will be good again soon and don’t have a 1B. Maybe, again. While the baseball world plays out in the next year and a half, let’s chew on this: Ryan Howard will probably be traded in the 2010 off-season so let’s make our wish lists now, and our Ruben Amaro Christmas cards for the 2009 holiday season after he completes the trade.
Good story, I think the Phils are in a real bind on this one. He is such an enigma, I mean is he the .313 hitter, probably not, but is he a .230 hitter…I would say no. His power numbers are just so hard to duplicate. I think much like the Sixers with Iverson, they Phillies need to build around Howard better. But to give him a long-term deal with is K’s and inconsitent at-bats is a tough call for the Phils, I dont think I can give him $200+ million he is going to want.
now is the time to trade howard- trading him next year or the year after will mean less in return for the phils- yes its nice that howard is so good at racking up rbi’s and homers, but on the flip side, he strikes out way too much- the last thing the phils need is more players who consistently strike out