In dismal funk, Ryan Howard sits
WASHINGTON — The manager's door was closed for a good 15 minutes before Thursday's game. Inside Charlie Manuel's office, there was no chance Ryan Howard would talk his way into the lineup.
In dismal funk, Ryan Howard sits
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
WASHINGTON — The manager's door was closed for a good 15 minutes before Thursday's game. Inside Charlie Manuel's office, there was no chance Ryan Howard would talk his way into the lineup.
"He didn't get to say too much after last night," Manuel said.
That was another hitless, three-strikeout performance, and the latest in failures that led Manuel to bench his slugger. Through 19 games, Howard is hitting .206 and has struck out in 36 percent of his plate appearances. That would lead all major-league hitters if Howard qualified for the batting title.
Judging by the way Howard spoke Thursday, there was no need to challenge the manager's decision.
"Right now, it's just, I'm in a funk," Howard said. "And there ain't no point in trying to hide it. Right now I'm not seeing the ball. I'm not comfortable. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little frustrated, a little flustered. So I guess it would be a good day for a day off."
He did not even take batting practice before Thursday's game.
Entering the day, Howard was 3 for his last 22 with 14 strikeouts. The Nationals started lefty Ross Detwiler, so Manuel saw a natural chance to rest Howard.
Howard refused to blame his slump on a shortened spring training to compensate for missing the season's first 84 games. Manuel disagreed.
"When you go to spring training and you get some at-bats — I don't know, 40, 50, 60 — sometimes all of a sudden you start getting tired. You start losing your swing but you'll come back around. That's kind of what it's all about."
Manuel sensed Howard's frustration during their meeting.
"He's kind of upset because he's striking out," Manuel said. "Probably has a reason to be, you know."
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Hey guys give the guy a break. Remember what he's done and all the thrilling game changing homers and big hits he's had. The money is the money and I know how frustrating it is for us fans , but he's a good guy. Now if you want to complain about an overpaid non hustler look at SS.— Rumrunner11- Howard has been the same hitter since he started playing for this team. When he crowds the plate he hits better but he refuses to do that. So the answer is put him on waivers and find out real quick how many idiot GM's out there will pay 25 million for the strike out king of major league baseball. Only Amaro fits that mold.— eaglesman1
About time Manuel benched him. He's been an embarrassment in the 4 hole this year. Recovering from his injury has absolutely nothing to do with his lack of discipline at the plate. Now, if only Manuel would get Rollins out of the lead-off spot. Good luck with that. Manuel is as stubborn as they come.- Yeah, but why in the (Bleep) is M. Martinez playing center field???— M60tanker
- Kind of surprised to see Schierholtz on the bench the night after he hits a hr to win a game. I mean dont we want to see what the guy we just traded for (yes I know it was really for the prospects) can do over the last 60? Who knows, maybe going from a pitchers park to a hitters park will boost his production to the point he can start next year.— lazyboy
- I agree. Unless he hurt himself somehow, this would be another clueless move by Manuel. Cole is not looking very good tonight so far. Utley and Rollins getting eaten up in the field. Utley's high throw to Wigginton almost turned a routine out into a hit. Werth back in their lineup seems to have rejuevenated them. Still early, but Hamels pitch count is already at 57 and it's only the second inning. Second questionable start after signing the big contract. Hmmm.....
- Maybe Charlie's resting him. I remember the year Terry Fraudcoma rested Bobby Abreu on opening day. — jman
- Yes and this insightful commentary we certainly could not have lived without. Dope — DogBiscuitthedope
- Schierholtz has been helpless against lefties throughout his career. Makes him a good platoon partner with Mayberry, who is helpless against righties. — jtj10
- Marytnez and Wigginton? Chawlie is incompetent.— wo_fat
- Exactly what are they paying Greg Gross to do???????????— joberzut
- This is an absolutely pathetic lineup tonight. It's not fair to Hamels or the Braves. This is the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Going to be a lot of empty seats in Philly the rest of the season. I sure wouldn't go out to watch this lineup even if I had to eat my tickets!— joberzut
- We have our 1st baseman
TY tonight NO strikeouts HARDHIT THREE plus BASE HIT
Great top ten defensive catch with snarl to Nats fan— baeboo - They should give him more rest. He's just back from a serious injury. He probably shouldn't even be playing.— AvoidSundanceVacations
- Just what I would expect from Howard. Called strike three to end the game. Where's the guy that said Howard was our "run producer"? Typical Howard at-bat.— ghost of callison
