Why Howard deal makes sense
Why? It's the attitude.
Why Howard deal makes sense
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
You buy tickets. The Phillies' owners take a cut and then pass the rest of it on to the players. It is a simple concept, when you think about it. Ownership has once again demonstrated its determination to prolong this incredibly sweet spot in time. And now it means that Ryan Howard is going to be here until 2016.
The debate will begin in baseball circles if it hasn't begun already: does it make sense to commit at least $125 million to Howard in the years 2012-16? Does it make sense to commit that kind of coin to a 30-year-old power hitter, who will be 36 when the guaranteed part of the deal is over? Does it make sense for a big man who hits collossal home runs but who also strikes out a lot?
The quick answer is: yes.
But the reason might not be the one in your head. I cannot predict the future. Howard can't. The Phillies can't. This is all a guess. Skills erode sometimes. Injuries happen sometimes. Happenstance happens sometimes. To pretend to know the future is to tell a lie.
So you go on what you see now -- and what you see now is a fearsome slugger. But you have to look deeper than that.
What I see now is a guy who is physically in better shape than he was 3 years ago. That is about work ethic, and trying to get better.
What I see now is a guy who is three times the defensive player he was when he first arrived in the big leagues. That is about high-level instruction on the Phillies' part and it is about a willingness on Howard's part to identify a deficiency and deal with it professionally.
Howard has already made a ton a cash. His response to every bump in salary has been to work at his game even more.
Again, there are no guarantees. But in baseball's big casino, this one really does make sense.
Poll: Is Howard worth the money?
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"Bye Worth...Hello Mr. Brown...you're a foll if you don't see that coming" Yeah, because we need another left-handed bat in our lineup. Because of that reason Brown is not a good replacement for Werth. I'm hoping that Ibanez finishes with a somewhat decent season so that some AL will be willing to trade for him and take on his contract. Then, we can replace Ibanez with Brown and re-sign Werth with contracts like Ibanez and Moyer off of the books. I may be hoping for too much though...— WorldPh*ckingChampions- Howard has been consistent throughout his career. For those of you still bemoaning the failure to lock up Lee long-term realize that Lee had a 6+ ERA and was sent to the minors 3 short seasons ago. The guy's career has been a roller coaster.— jtj06
- With Ibanez and Polanco not being long-term answers, the team could find the money to keep Werth. It sucks that he was such a late bloomer, but the Phils scouts were excellent getting him out of Dodger blue. You make the decision to go with Brown or someone cheap in LF and young at 3b, then you drop a mediocre SP (Blanton? Jamie?) Plus Werth wants to be here and you're at least in business.— KNuff
- Aumont threw 6 no hit innings yesterday in Reading. Thats a positive. Wait till Rich Dubee gets a hold of him... all down hill from there.— Theo1980
- These baseball salaries are way out of control. If Howard is worth that much money just because he is good at hitting a baseball and playing a kids game then what is a school teacher worth? What is a scientist trying to come up with a cure for cancer worth? Is it any wonder our sense of value and our economy is so messed up?— fanup
- Cliff Lee isn't helping anyone right now and not for another couple of weeks. Right now the Phillies wouldn't have either Lee or Blanton. At least they have something in the farm system that they can use if they need to get another pitcher later in the season. If everything was the same, they'd have Lee and still have Kendricks, Happ and Moyer and no farm system. Blanton would have been traded for little.— mike l
- I like that Gary81 misspelled the word "fool" in his comment.— MaC130
- Not bad considering he still can't hit a curveball.— echosmyron
That's a pretty long deal but what the hay! He produces! Now my comment will get removed, don't know why.
Roy: 4-0, ERA below 1.00. Cliff: has not pitched an inning. Get over it kids - he wanted to test the waters of free agency after this year, he overplayed his hand. If he really wants to be here, he'll sign here. Until then, it's time to let go. As far as Werth goes, I won't count anything out, but it looks grim. Moving Ibanez and Moyer would free up some cash. What about J-Roll?— Doctor D- I thought the question is, is Howard worth it? He's a rare talent that could become not only a better fielder but better hitter too. If he can improve his fielding, he can cut down on strike outs. His best season(s), I think, are still ahead. Oh yes, and let's find a way to keep Werth too. Sure, Brown's coming up, but he'll take Ibanez's spot.— Slidewell
- Love this extension. Now figure out a way to lock up Werth and prepare Brown to replace Ibanez.— dri_as_a_bone
- there was no supporting of your yes whatsoever. this does not make sense— jbourne53
- Don't assume Werth is gone. They seem to find money for the guys they want to keep.— bd73
- How much is a ticket again?— tellitso
