Mr. Rocktober is Ryan Howard
Posted by Pat Gallen, Tue, October 13, 2009 10:53 AM | Comments: 76
Analysis, News, Opinion, Posts
It was one year ago when the Phillies had disposed of the Milwaukee Brewers, setting up an NLCS meeting with the Dodgers. Shane Victorino grabbed the spotlight with a grand slam off of CC Sabathia, and Cole Hamels worked his magic in the first round, which was just the beginning of an unforgettable playoff run.
A person noticeably missing from the fun was Ryan Howard. Through the first six games of the postseason last year, Howard struggled to find his groove. He registered just two hits in 19 at-bats over that time frame, and didn’t go yard until Game 3 of the World Series. I’m guessing the Colorado Rockies would take that same stat line right now.
Because Howard was as instrumental as any Phillie during this just-finished four-gamer over the Rox, mostly due to his plate discipline and timely hitting. With five hits in 11 at-bats, Colorado had no choice but to pitch to him because the guys around him produced. Chase Utley hit .429 in the series from the three-hole, and reached base over 50 percent of the time. Batting fifth in the order, Jayson Werth finished with a .357 average and slugged over .900 in the series. The Rockies pitched to Howard, albeit with bated breath, and it paid off in spades for the Phillies.
Just when you thought a strikeout was inevitable, The Big Piece came through with a base knock. Just when you imagined him flailing at a slider down and away, he sharpens his eye and locks in on the strike zone. Ryan Howard finally became a force to be reckoned when the game, and possibly the season, was on the line.
The new and improved Howard came full circle in the ninth inning of the Game 4 comeback on Monday night. Facing the harsh reality of a Game 5 back here in Philly, Howard wrung his hands around the maple and dug in. With Victorino standing at second base, and Utley put aboard on a walk, Colorado closer Huston Street had no choice but to pitch to the Big Guy. After three straight four-seam fastballs on the outer edge, Street left one over the middle of the plate, and Howard made him pay by popping the thin-air balloon surrounding Coors Field.
By depositing that ball off the right field fence, he became Mr. Rocktober. And although he has an MVP award and a ring, its nights like this that elevate players to legendary status. Today, we spell redemption R-Y-A-N.
Posts: 0 Phillin' 'er up!
Ryan Howard is truly a hero. Let’s not forget the amazing efforts by Jimmy, Shane (fielder’s choice) and Utley to get on base to make that hit possible.
If our lineup keeps producing like this, you’ll see another 4-1 series win over the Dodgers.
Posted: 10:58 AM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Nick Stoner
Ryan Howard is great and a future Hall-of-Famer. We are lucky to have him on the Phils.
Posted: 11:03 AM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Morris Buttermaker
You have to take the good with the bad. Ok, the guy is going to strike out sometimes. But it is all worth it if he produces in the big moments the way he does. The kid loves to play in August, September and October. Howard is a once in a lifetime type player. He was tied for the lead league for RBI with Prince Fielder. No, not Pujols as is always reported. He 6 had more RBI than Pujols. He hits some beautiful majestic homeruns. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Posted: 11:12 AM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Ben
great series, and i have been waiting from something to be brought up about ryan. the guy is as clutch of a player as i have ever seen. for a big man, he is in terrific shape and doesn’t breakdown as the season goes on.
i’d take him over almost any big masher not named pujols in the majors today because of his ability to come through in big games and big spots.
also, i’m glad you gave credit to werth (and i’d throw ibanez in there) both guys have found there groove a bit. you can’t pitch around howard and put him on to then pitch to werth and then pitch to ibanez. our line up is filthy when it is on. keep it up boys.
Posted: 11:14 AM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Mazinman
Ryan is awesome, no doubt about that but I think what is great about this team is that we win in a truly team effort not just because of one guy. Victorino’s awareness that he missed third, Utley’s patience in getting a walk and hustling every step of the way from first, Werth’s supremely clutch single, and Eyre (who seems to pitch better the more injuries he has) and Lidge shutting down the Rockies all made that 9th inning along with Howard’s clutch hit.
Ryan’s hit is the most dramatic in the NL post season up to this point. Talk about ripping out a team’s heart. Way to go big guy!
Posted: 11:17 AM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Ben
to explain what i mean that i would take him over others. i’m not saying he is the best masher, but its one thing to be good for 162 games, and another to be good in big spots. you need a team to make the playoffs in a 162 game schedule. but you need a few leaders to win in october. granted howard isn’t the only one, but he’s a big part.
there is a reason the braves only won one. they had a great team for the season, but a marginal team for the playoffs.
Posted: 11:18 AM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
Get me to the plate, boys.
Posted: 11:40 AM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Bill
I had a friend tell me over and over how Howard never hits in the clutch and that many of his homeruns and hits are meaningless. After last night I told him his argument was over. Howard proved himself as clutch in a huge way!!!
http://www.phightinphils.com
Posted: 11:56 AM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 JD
I hope to never see the Man in Yankees Pinstripes…We are blessed as a city to have the team we put on the field everynight…I was on the phone with my buddy he called strikeout I called double…the rest is history…get the BEAT LA chants going, I feel this team pulling together at the right moment and last night showed how far they have come!!
Posted: 12:01 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Adam G
A legend was born last night. No doubt he is the leader of this team. Walking around the dugout, pleading with teammates to get on base to bring him up. These are the guys who love the spotlight and the pressure and maybe a “Reggie-Reggie-Reggie” like performance on an October/November night in the bronx is waiting around the corner.
Go Phils!
Posted: 12:04 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Ben
adam g, i just soiled myself with that last vision.
Posted: 12:17 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 beta sigma shag
Ryan is a stud, and maybe struggled a little last year in the post season, but his team picked him up, he returned the favor last night, and for all this series. It was a great come back, and as I watched the bottom of the eighth end down two, all I said to the guy sitting at the table of the place I work, if Ryan gets up he will hit a bomb to retake the lead. I love this team.
on a side note , who thinks Pedro may start game two in LA LA land, especially if Cole wins game one
Posted: 12:36 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
What a game… what a series. The Rockies deserve a lot of credit; that team scrapped and clawed and never gave up.
But like I’ve said all year, this team is special.
I literally jumped and hit my head on the ceiling last night… saying I told you so has never felt this good.
There are a lot of people on here that don’t give Howard his due because of his “flaws.” Why do we focus on his stikeouts? Why do we focus on prior year’s defensive woes? It’s about time that this city woke up and applauded this man… think about it, aside from the awards and the fact that he’s a GREAT ambassador for charity, he is an RBI machine, he has ALWAYS carried us in September, he dropped 20 pounds to be a better defender and he never gets injured. It’s about time that we recognize Howard for what he is… he is the backbone of this team. Without him, we aren’t talking about the WS title defense or the third consecutive NLE title.
Posted: 12:41 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
I don’t know about anyone else but my favorite part of the game last night was when they show Victorino coming down the third base line and you wonder if Utley is going to be able to score and then all of the sudden Utley rounds the corner as if he was shot out of a cannon. It was at that moment that I know, the Phillies were going to win and they were going to do it right now.
Posted: 12:43 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Phlorida
JD, same happened here, my buddy called K , I said bomb, and it almost was. Lets all not forget Ben Fransisco’s amazing diving catch, Pete Happys stab to start the double play, and Chooch doing his part calling Cliffs game. I loved the inside-outside-inside-outside-K that he got late in the game(cant remeber the batter, Atkins maybe?) GREAT TEAM EFFORT! Just wait till Hamels gets dialed in, oooohh hooo! Bring on the Doyers…
Posted: 12:44 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Brooks
To speak of the HOF at this point in his career is premature. However, health would be the only issue as Ryan is not going to stop – he will continue to his 40 (+) hrs, have close to or over 140 rbi as long as he stays healthy. Will he hit over .300 again? I say probable since he has shown a propensity and tenacity to work on his weaknesses (the example of shoddy fielding comes to mind).
As was written earlier, he is one of those once in a lifetime players playing in the best possible situation for him today. The Phils are smacked full of complimentary players, 1-6 in the batting lineup.
If this team can somehow muster 4 or even 5 visits deep into the playoffs (another ring or 2?) who knows how many of this current squad would also be legit HOF material?
How often the Phils visit the Post Season is most likely dependent upon how long this core group of guys stays together and we all know the piece to pry that apart is money..
So, as someone else here said, enjoy the ride! It may not last that much longer.
Posted: 12:45 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Mark B
The ride won’t last forever, true, but with Rollins, Utley, Howard, Victorino, and Werth all about 29 or 30 years of age, I think we have good reason to anticipate 4 or 5 more solid years from this team. If they all stay here and stay relatively healthy.
Posted: 12:57 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 GWFightinsFan
Should be interesting to see the pitching rotation setup for the Phils against the Dodgers. Hamels goes in Game 1, Game 2? Blanton? Pedro? Happ? Lots of options…obv Lee will be on the mound in Game 3….
Posted: 01:02 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Ed R.
My feeling is that the rotation will be:
Hamels
Pedro
Lee
Happ
Hamels
With game 6 or 7 being decided based on where we are at in the series. Lee will obviously start one of those games with Blanton being another possibility depending on when he is used.
I think Charlie likes having Blanton out of the pen and if he does not use Pedro this series then he might as well just remove him from the roster all together.
Posted: 01:12 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 CZ
I feel like you may see Cliff Lee pitch game 2 on short rest. You want to make sure you get both Hamels and Lee 2 starts in a long series. I would bet on Blanton in game 3 and maybe Pedro in game 4. That allows Happ to stay in the pen as the lefty that we need with Eyre always a game-time decision. Just my two cents.
Posted: 01:13 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Ben
someone should write something up about blanton’s role in the ‘pen. to step up like he has, and just accept the ball is pretty special. he was arguably the most consistent starter for us this year, and then he goes to the pen and just rocks. no snipes in the media or anything, he just wants to compete and win.
its a hat tip to charlie too. he’s a player’s manager, and there is no way he gets guys to bounce around like they do and excel in those new roles. thats not easy, yet the phils have done it all over in the playoffs so far.
Posted: 01:27 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 joe
no way Cliff goes on short rest.
the dodgers got righties…
so I think you gotta start Joe in game 2.
although i think it depends on what cole does game 1…
if they win, i could see pedro going game 2…
lee will go game 3 in philly no doubt..
haap could get a start…i really doubt he lets the butterflies get to him again…and plus it wont be 25 degrees…
this series all falls on cole though… great game 1… things look good
and you know who the dodgers will throw game 3 in philly…
padilla
Posted: 01:28 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Ben
sorry, not to delegate tasks, but there are a lot of admirable things that came out of this series (imo).
Posted: 01:29 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 joe
ps…
anyone else notice that when yorvit hit that double to put the rockies up the TBS guy went NUTS… i mean NUTS
but when Howard hit his double…the guy pretty much sounded depressed like the world was going to end
Posted: 01:30 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
For Game 2, you might wanna go with Heavy B and his 1.50 ERA at Dodger Stadium this season (6 IP, 1ER, 5Ks)…
Posted: 01:54 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Amazinsux
Yeah, Joe those guys were horrible. The play by play clown was the Brewers regular announcer and Joe Simpson is a “never was” ex-player who does color for the (gag) Braves. So, I guess, it’s expected that they were both biased against the Phils. All the more reason to enjoy it more!
Posted: 01:56 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 joe
Cole gave up 1 run in 16 innings against the Dodgers this year…
including that 97 pitch shutout..
although he did own the Rockies too this year…
but I give him a pass with his wife in labor
Posted: 02:02 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 bob
Game 1: Hamels
Game 2: Blanton
Game 3: Lee
Game 4: Happ
Games 5-7, TBD depending on our standing in this series. I think you will see Chan Ho Park on the NLCS roster. Certainly a good time to get our bullpen healthy and props to them for stepping up big time!
Thank you Brad Lidge for being a true professional and taking this change in stride. Scott Eyre, what a gamer. Ryan Madson, Mr. Dependable, despite his struggle last night. I think he made a great pitch to Giambi, who dinked it. Joe Blanton, as mentioned, for taking the ball in the bullpen and not stirring up controvesy. Ditto to Pedro, for being bumped out of Game 3.
The list goes on and on, but our supposed disadvantage to Colorado came up big and allowed another trip to the NLCS. That pen was crapped on by alot of people and national media, saying that would be our downfall. Well not yet.
Posted: 02:02 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Don M
My best guess…. I think
1. Thursday – Hamels (full rest)
2. Friday – Pedro (full rest)
3. Sunday – Lee (5 day rest)
4. Monday – Blanton (full rest)
5. Wednesday – Hamels (5 days rest)
6. Friday – Lee (regular rest)
7. Saturday- Pedro starts.. (everyone but Lee available from the pen)
Happ in the bullpen since Eyre can’t be the only LHP, and they are afraid to use Bastardo in pressure situations
Posted: 02:08 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Yes…..”Get me to the plate, boys.” AWESOME STUFF!!!
I like Blanton as #2. You can’t pitch Lee on short rest. Full rest puts him game 3 on Sunday night at home.. That’s fine.
I REFUSE to listen to the TBS or Fox guys. I’m telling you, turn the sound down and put on the radio if you can. Last night 1210 was almost perfectly in sync with the TV. It’s MUCH better listening to Franske, L.A., Wheeler and TMac than those losers on national TV. Larry Anderson is an excellent analyst and Franske’s play-by-play is very good and very emotional.
Posted: 02:19 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 JOn
Chuck, did it sync up well when watching in HD? If so, I will do that. I will probably try anyway…I am just curious.
Posted: 02:27 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Scotty
“Get me to the plate, boys” is definitely a cheese steak tee. Print ‘em up!
I’ll say another thing that’s impressed me with Ryan is his performance on the base paths. He steals! He stretches it into two! He barrels into home! It’s gotten to be that I know he’ll score from second on a routine single and that’s huge when you’re surrounded with wheels like Ut and Werth.
Posted: 02:33 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 oaklandphilsphan
Hamels
Pedro
off day
Blanton
Lee
off day
Hamels
off day
Lee (3 days rest)
Pedro
Utilizes your four best starters, Pedro pitches twice in a pitcher’s park, gives Lee an extra day of rest. What do you think?
Posted: 02:54 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 oaklandphilsphan
Also, gives the bullpen a second lefty in Happ and uses the three best starters at home for 3,4 and 5.
Posted: 02:55 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 oaklandphilsphan
or switch Pedro and Lee in 6 & 7 depending on the series
If Phils up 3-2, Pedro then Lee
If Phils down 3-2, Lee then Pedro in 7 with Blanton for back-up a.l.a. game 3 of the NLDS
Posted: 02:57 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Yeah…I had TBS on HD and 1210 on the radio. It was about a second apart. The night before 1210 was about 6-7 seconds behind and another station, 1490, was a few seconds ahead….so I’d hear the call and then watch it. But last night 1210 was more in sync. Give it a try.
Posted: 03:02 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Jeff
Why Ryan Howard does not get Love from the city of brotherly love. First, he plays with a guy named Chase. Chase can do no wrong in Philly. When he slumps nobody get on him. The reason is Chase plays the game at a very high level and is a ball player. Then there is Albert who everyone compares Ryan too. There is no player like Albert in baseball. He is so special. Then there is Ryan. Yes, he does strike out alot and looks silly at times at the plate. He does not have alot of disipline at times. Lets look at the big picture shall we. Look at the numbers Ryan has put up in the past season. They are amazing. Ryan carries us at the end of season. He won that braves game by himself. Last night in maybe his biggest at bat he came through. BIG TIME. Howard has a Rookie of the Year award, MVP award, World Series title, 3 division titles, and will be up for another MVP this year. He has a million dollar smile and is very very huble. A guy you cant help but love. Compared to some of these athletes. When he is retired and ready to make his way into the hall of fame then we will look back and say wow he played for our team. Thank you Ryan…..
Posted: 03:04 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Don M
Howard had such a better year than Chase Utley its not even funny…
Howard = .279 avg, 45 HomeRuns, 141 RBI, 105 Runs, 8 Stolen Bases, 14 errors
Utley = .282 avg, 31 HomeRuns, 93 RBI, 112 Runs, 23 Stolen Bases, 12 errors
He’s one of the Top 5 offensive players in all of baseball.. yet many don’t even consider him the best on the Phillies
on the flip-side .. if I had my life on the line, and had to pick one player on the Phillies to get a hit. Chase Utley would be my pick .. weird
Posted: 03:11 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
Cause Utley is our best HITTER.. and Howard is our best POWER guy…
Posted: 03:18 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 SDO
Did anyone else get tired of the over-use of the phrase “punch out” by those annoying TBS commentators?
Posted: 03:23 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 bob
I have always said that if our season is on the line that CHASE UTLEY is my guy that I want up at the plate. Howard clutch double doesnt happen without Utley tremendous at bat.
With that said, I don’t see why anyone would argue about this now or ever. They are both GREAT players and without one or the other we are not WFC’s going for a 2nd WFC.
Posted: 03:24 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
Yup… you need both to win it all!
Posted: 03:25 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 bob
And it’s certainly hard to not appreciate a man (Howard) who is GUARANTEED to knock at least 40 Hr’s and drive in 120 RBI’s over a season.
That is ridiculous production. And production that may ultimately lead to him wearing a Yankee or Red Sox uniform.
Enjoy Howard, Utley and crew while we have them!!!
Posted: 03:26 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Don M….so you’ve been suckered into that whole Chase Utley “thing” (whatever that fascination is that fans have with him). That’s not meant as a criticism….just an interesting observation. And I understand it. Chase is that kind of player. Yet, for me, if I have to get up from watching a game I’ll wait to see Howard bat just about every time even if the Phillies are losing 11-1 and his at-bat is kind of meaningless. That’s just me.
Posted: 03:27 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 joe
no way Pedro goes a game 7 if there is one… no way
he wont pitch game 2 either…he hasnt pitched in like a month…
it’ll be Blanton..
he pitched sunday only 2.2 innings…
he has monday. tues. wed. thurs. to rest…
every 5th day..he’ll go game 2
Posted: 03:32 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Don M
Chuck.. im probably the last person in Philadelphia to be on any kind of Utley bandwagon ..
He’s a good player..
Howard is a GREAT player …
not just the HR’s.. but his overall offensive numbers are on a historic pace.. he’s got a Rookie of the Year, MVP, and WS Ring … he would be in the Hall of Fame if he retired today ..
….
I’ll be shocked if they choose Joe Blanton.. over Pedro Martinez in Game #2 … Pedro is one of the best pitchers in the history of the game.. and has been dominant at time even this season ..
Posted: 03:35 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Jeff Dowder
WFAN is now discussing what kind of reception Torre & Mattingly will get when they return to Yankee Stadium for the World Series. WTF?
Posted: 03:39 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
I know that, Don….maybe “fascination” was the wrong word (it DOES imply bandwagon). It’s just interesting to understand where people’s heads (and hearts) are at with certain players.
The thing with Utley is that he does things that nobody else does…..that play on Sunday night in the 9th when the ball CLEARLY hit him is a good example. Not many players would be able to fake that like he did. When answering reporters he said he wasn’t sure if it hit him becasue it was so cold. I think he knew it did and played it as if the umpires would buy it…..and they did. THAT’S a smart baseball player.
Posted: 03:43 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck
Torre coming back IS a pretty big story…… But it’s a little early to discuss that.
Posted: 03:54 PM on October 13, 2009
Posts: 0 Don M
Utley is a smart baseball player.. has a real feel for the game.. works pitchers, gets on base .. and makes things happen ..
I’m really glad he’s on the Phillies because he definitely knows how to win …
I just think people have gone overboard with him, earlier this season people were saying he will go down as the best second baseman ever, and possibly the great Phillie of all-time .. so I pointed out that he’s not great on defense, and hits for a career .295 average (Good, Very Good .. but not GREAT …. yet)
Posted: 03:56 PM on October 13, 2009