Is Howard All-Star Worthy?
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
Is Howard All-Star Worthy?
Todd Zolecki
Ryan Howard won't be making history, but he could be the first player in 60 years to lead his league in home runs and RBIs at the all-star break and not make the all-star team.
Elias Sports Bureau's Santo Labombarda said that hasn't happened since Cincinnati Reds leftfielder Hank Sauer in 1948. Sauer was hitting .275 with a league-leading 24 homers and 64 RBIs in 1948, but the NL starting outfield featured Cardinals leftfielder Stan Musial, Phillies centerfielder Richie Ashburn, and Cardinals rightfielder Enos Slaughter. Reserve outfielders included Boston Braves rightfielder Tommy Holmes, Pittsburgh Pirates leftfielder Ralph Kiner, and New York Giants outfielder Bobby Thomson.
Howard still has a chance to make the team because Alfonso Soriano is injured and won't play. That means Rockies manager Clint Hurdle must pick a replacement. Can you imagine if the decision comes down to Howard or Pat Burrell?
Who goes?
*
Jamie Moyer pitched very well in yesterday's 4-1 victory over the Cardinals. He is 8-6 with a 3.95 ERA at the all-star break. Can he keep it up in the second half? He was 7-7 with a 4.43 ERA at the break last year, but went 7-5 with a 5.78 ERA in the second half.
Of course, he pitched pretty well the final game of the season last year. But with questions about the rotation, the Phillies could sleep a little easier knowing that Moyer will continue to pitch like he has and not have his ERA balloon like last season.
*
Bob Ford wonders why the Phillies won't make that final push to get them over the top.
*
In the Phillies Notebook: Carlos Ruiz's job is safe despite his offensive struggles, J.A. Happ hopes to be back soon and the Toronto Blue Jays have been following the double-A Reading Phillies -- which means the Phillies could have interest in A.J. Burnett.
And the Phillies aren't interested in Barry Bonds, just in case you were wondering.
*
Carlos Carrasco has the stuff. He just needs the confidence to take that next step.
*
Frank Fitzpatrick compares Connie Mack Stadium to Citizens Bank Park.
*
Burrell took third in the online vote for the National League all-star team.
Now, now, children. Am I going to have to give you all a time out? The spin here is making me dizzy. First, to make the argument that "the Phils would have two more losses and would be in second place w/out Howards bat" is just ridiculous. Sure it's true, but only in the very limited context of the last week or so. That twisted logic completely ignores the fact that Howard was basically MIA during the April and May, and "his bat" would have certainly come in handy and won them oh, say, 4 or 5 more games during that stretch. Had that happened, they'd be more comfortably in 1st right now. On the other hand, it's just wrong to claim that "HE DOESN'T CARE." I don't believe that for a second. Bottom line is that Ryan appears to have regained his confidence and that can only be good for all concerned. Now, play nice. And stop spinning... or you'll puke.— bobby
Truth, we all swore off commenting on Howard (negative and positive) for 30 days with the hope you would leave this blog and go bother David Murphy's blog for awhile....LOL. Besides, the "mainstays" are bored with arguing with someone who is racist, homophoboic, sexist and knows so little about baseball or life. And bobby, acerulli and Norma, well said.— jimmymack- I'll admit I was one of the ones that bashed Ryan Howard earlier. I'm sure I (and many people) noted that there was a good possibilty he would carry this team later in the season at some point. This is now happening. I'm surprised with all the strikeouts he amassed so many RBIs. I don't know about anyone else but Howard's RBI total snuck up on me. You have to admire his production. I may get angry at times when he strikes out in the future, but I'm not going to bash Howard for it. I think he is a .240-.260 kind of hitter, not quite in the same league with Pujols and Ortiz but still very valuable to a team. He would be better off as a DH nad trading him next year or the year after might be a smart thing to do. They better get what he's worth though. Would anyone be surprised if they didn't?— James TL
Comment removed.- Why in the world did Ruiz try and steal 2nd base??? Missed signal i hope...— Clinton, NJ
- Utley SUCKS!!!— Clinton, NJ
- This 30 day ban should be on Truth too, can we please do that? And if it works, lets make it forever!!— Clinton, NJ
