Wrapping Your Head Around Ryan Howard
Posted by The Dipsy, Tue, July 19, 2011 01:00 PM | Comments: 109
Analysis, News, Opinion, Posts
(AP Photo/Michael Perez)
(This post was written by one of Phillies Nation’s best commenters and a big-time Phillies fan, “The Dipsy.”)
The jaw dropping power. The deluge of strikeouts. All those RBIs. All that horrible plate discipline. His self-effacing good nature. His head-shaking grimaces on his walk back to the dugout. And all that money, too. Exhilarating and maddening and prolific and squandering.
To root for Ryan Howard, which we all do, is to experience both the agony and the ecstasy, each in large doses – and very often within the same game, the same inning, or even the same at bat. That wild swing at a curveball in the dirt will leave one to mutter curses under his breath only to see that same fan rise up exuberantly the next moment when Ryan crushes the next pitch deep into the Philadelphia night.
Ryan Howard was held down for a year-and-a-half while the Phillies figured out what to do with Jim Thome. When he did arrive he became the best power hitter in the game. He hit for average, he hit to the opposite field, he took walks. He was incredible; incredible in a time when offense flourished in baseball, for whatever reason (wink). He won an MVP and led the Phils to a World Series title. He signed a huge contract. The last few years have seen his production tail off as he has morphed from an all around weapon into a one-dimensional power hitter. While his fielding has improved slightly, he is still in the bottom third of defensive first basemen. We all love his personality and charm, but few of us can ignore the fact that he who was once the unstoppable offensive force, is not that anymore.
While still a tremendous power hitter, some fans chide him for his inability to perform at his previous offensive levels, and I’m not going to tell them they’re wrong. A portion of the team’s fandom work themselves into a lather at every horrible at bat (which there are many) or each example of bad fielding. Each miscue is set against a backdrop of his huge salary. Some fans just don’t think he’s worth it…that the pain just outweighs the pleasure.
I have a view. I too have been through the years of cheering and cursing and hand wringing, etc. and I’ve come out the other side. While Ryan Howard is not the hitter he once was, he is still the best power hitter in the game, year in and year out. He does have bad plate discipline and he does swing at everything- but why? Because when there are men on base, and he looks to the on deck circle, one would suspect he realizes that if he doesn’t drive them in that nobody will. And rightly so.
Its the “hit a home run or die trying” theory. He has 73 RBIs this year. He also has a contract calling for him to be paid $25m a year. A lot of people can’t stomach that. I know its too much money but guess what? – Ryan didn’t ask for it, Ruben gave it to him. He gave it to him because it would have been PR suicide not to. Which brings us full circle. For all the things he can’t do, he is this: a fabulous home run hitter and run producer who helps puts butts in the seats, a hard working guy who has never given anyone a moments trouble, and a player with a big heart who wants to win, loves the game, and is adored by the 99% of the fans that don’t bitch about him on call-in shows and fan blogs. And I suspect that’s why Ruben paid him, for those very reasons.
When we get a little angry about why he’s not the player he was or when he can’t catch a throw to first base, remember the saying that goes “don’t let the good be the enemy of the perfect” and know that many other teams in baseball would kill to have Ryan Howard.
Posts: 220 The Dipsy
AWF, I called for Ryan to be dropped in the order last year or two years ago. And they should still do it. Its ridiculous to leave him in the four hole when he is so impotent. I wanted Utley, Werth, Howard at 3-4-5. I was summarily shouted down with, “Thats just not the way Charlie does things”, and “that would Ryan’s confidence”, blah. Its still stupid now like it was them. Example: Let say we were to get Beltran by chance. He goes to the four spot, at least against lefties. Ryan can’t hit lefties, period and you can split up Utley and Howard. Make too much sense? Hey, just cuz I advocate a little perspective on how to view Ryan doesn’t mean I have no baseball sense whatsoever.
The Dipsy
Posted: 05:58 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 2542 Chuck A.
Dipsy, that’s actually not too bad an idea. But it has something like a ZERO chance of happening. Because, yeah, that’s not how Charlie does things. BTW, I don’t think Beltran comes here.
Posted: 06:03 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 413 Publius
Apparently the Phils are the most aggressive suitor for Beltran right not
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Philadelphia-Phillies-Boston-Red-Sox-most-aggressive-in-pursuit-of-new-York-Mets-Carlos-Beltran-071911
Posted: 06:09 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 220 The Dipsy
I would trade Ryan for just close to equal value in a NY minute. Just because I like to think I’m in tune with what we have with Ryan doesn’t mean I don’t know that he is overpaid and underperforming. In my heart of hearts, I believe that Charlie could shape him up in 50 games. I actually blame Charlie for what Ryan has become. But that’s a story for another day.
The Dipsy
Posted: 06:07 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Andrew from Waldorf
@ Dipsy
I like and respect you. As you know I dont just throw that around. And I dont go for brownie points.
Howard is untradable. Gonzalez makes 21 million next year. Howard 25.
Fielder will make 20 not 25
Beltran is the most fitting player ever for a team.
When you guys pulled your pants down for Lee last year do it for Beltran this year.
Posted: 06:14 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 2542 Chuck A.
I agree. Fielder will not not make 25. Who’s gonna give it to him??
Posted: 06:18 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 413 Publius
Mariners, Cubs, Cardinals, Angels, Rangers, Giants, Nats, Orioles could all use his services, and Fielder definitely deserves top dollar. I would not be surprised if his average annual value of his next contract is around $27.5mil
Posted: 06:27 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 3483 Lefty
Agree completely.
Posted: 07:49 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 2542 Chuck A.
Let’s see what Albert gets first. I just don’t see any of those teams, save for maybe the Cubs or Angels….MAYBE….giving him more than 20. But, hey, I could be dead wrong.
Posted: 06:34 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 OhPlease
Everyone who writes articles the first half of the season about how Ryan Howard is such a disappointment, should be held accountable – perhaps ‘tarred and feathered’ each August and September when he is consistently the best hitter in baseball.
This year he hit the all star break leading the league in RBI and on pace for 30+ home runs once again.
If you want to see a player underperforming expectations, take a drive down I-95 to watch Jayson Werth. It’s baseball … it’s a long season
Posted: 06:52 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Andrew from Waldorf
Werth isnt our problem.
In an ideal world Howard wouldnt be our problem.
My issue is so many of you think he is the reason they win. He isnt. Can put 20 other people at first and be better off. At least 2 are playing for the KC Royals.
But HE IS the reason they lost in the playoffs last year.
CAPS LOCKED FOR FUN :)
Waiting for the justification to start him vs lefties?
Posted: 07:21 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 220 The Dipsy
Of course I know he’s untradeable. Thats why I mention “close to equal value”. I think everyone on this board would advocate a trade of Howard if we got “close” to equal value. Chuck, I predict Albert will come in at 27.5 per. He’s the best hitter in the game. He’s not getting 10 years, though.
Getting back to Ryan, a part of me is sure that he knows better than to try and hit like that. He could try taking the first pitch like Chase. Now, Chase is a good two strike hitter, granted, but Ryan is NEVER in a hitter’s count. OR..just don’t swing at breaking balls. Ever. Under any circumstances. I know Ryan can hit better. He needs a caddie is what he needs.
The Dipsy
Posted: 06:53 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 2542 Chuck A.
27.5 for Albert sounds about right and I think maybe 22.5 for Prince. And I think you should apply for the caddie job.
Posted: 07:25 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Don M
I’m glad someone brought up what they think Prince Fielder will make . . . . because lost in all of this “Ruben overpaid” talk .. is the fact that he basically handcuffed the Cardinals and Brewers into deciding – A) Do we want to pay our superstars & not be able to afford anyone else …or B) Do we let our superstars walk so that we can field a better overall club from top to bottom, knowing the fans will revolt if said superstars depart
Amaro ensured that Pujols and Fielder BOTH get paid more than $25 M per season… and since St Louis and Milwaukee aren’t the huge media markets, and they can’t sustain huge payrolls …. Ruben took a direct shot to try to knock two clubs back down the mountain as we play King of the Hill/ NL each season.
Is Howard aging and declining, yes.. But if we didn’t pay him the $20-$25 M per season, someone else would have… and I can’t imagine this lineup with Chase Utley as our only power threat…
For the same reasons we name clubs that are willing to pay Fielder, those same clubs would be willing to pay Howard too.. if Ryan can stay off the breaking balls, he can stay among the top offensive players in the game
Posted: 07:27 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Andrew from Waldorf
Gonzalez makes 21 million per.
Why would Fielder make more? Because the Phillies over paid Howard?
Fielder gets 6 years 120-125
If you think Howard would have gotten 25 mil per this off season just LOL
But I am responding to someone I do not respect.
I digress
Posted: 07:32 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Andrew from Waldorf
Last comment here before moving on.
You do not need to justify or qualify at the top of the page when Dipsy writes a column.
He is one of the few here who I respect.
Some of the others can work on respect etc etc.
You know who you are.
Posted: 07:29 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 2542 Chuck A.
You must be lookin’ in a mirror.
Posted: 07:44 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 0 Don M
We’ll see… Fielder’s younger and plays better defense at firstbase…. pretty damn sure the Cubs are going to throw crazy money at either of these players. I agree that Prince will prob get 6 years, but its going to be closer to $150 M
Also, I lose sleep over the fact that you don’t respect me on a blog… please reconsider
Posted: 07:38 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 3483 Lefty
Nice job Dipsy as usual. I love whenever someone opens the Hpward can of worms, this place goes bananas!
I don’t think it’s wrong to be a fan and also be critical of our players. The amount of comments proves that.
I am critical of Ryan Howard. As I posted earlier, he can play better and needs to, if we’re going anywhere this season. I hope it starts tonight.
“For those that have the more, more is expected” Former Hockey coach Jim Schoenfeld. I hope Charlie feels the same.
Posted: 08:00 PM on July 19, 2011
Posts: 2 MrG262
“While Ryan Howard is not the hitter he once was, he is still the best power hitter in the game, year in and year out.”
Ryan Howard currently ranks 60th in the game in SLG, 38th in extra base hits, and 18th in HR. He’s a 1 dimensional player who’s on the wrong side of 30 and his trendline is pretty ugly. And his extension hasn’t even started yet. Trust me, there are more teams who would love NOT to have Ryan Howard under his current contract situation.
Posted: 09:09 PM on July 20, 2011
Posts: 0 brooks
What is more frustrating?
Ryan should not be walking but then again, he CANNOT be swinging at those pitches around his ankles either – that is what kills me, when he swings at that crap he looks totally clueless.
On the other side, the Phils got Ryan Howard (full time) in 2006 and have been a contender ever since. Not a coincidence.
Posted: 09:19 PM on July 20, 2011