Ryan Howard shows improved running
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Ryan Howard shows improved running
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
LAKELAND, Fla. — Ryan Howard was never described as "fast," nor will he ever be after Achilles surgery. But in his first 71 games with the repaired tendon, his gait was snaillike and downright painful to watch last season.
Howard insists his speed will improve, to a certain extent. He attempted to show it during his second Grapefruit League game.
The first baseman doubled in consecutive innings against Detroit. After the first one, he was caught between second and third on a John Mayberry Jr. grounder. Howard made several cuts to prolong the rundown so Mayberry could advance to second base.
Howard, after his second double, successfully tagged up from second to third on a Darin Ruf flyout to center field.
"Leaving no doubt," Howard said.
Then, he chuckled.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
need the big peace to stay healthy. Stop trying to prove you are healthy in the spring training!!!! At least wait until the games count— xrajux
It's been almost a year and a half since surgery. I believe the increased speed is a normal progression and should be expected, especially since athletes are rehabbed in a completely different manner than us non-athletes. That's good news, of course. The strength he has gained in his leg should help his timing at the plate. He shouldn't run with abandon though and should be careful when stepping on, or sliding into, bases. That goes for Utley as well, with those knees.- It woud be great if he can run from home to 1st in under one minute. It would be even better if he can hit over .200 this year. I've seen enough grounder-to-the-shift to last a lifetime.— 4thand10
- Another ungrateful fan. Go back in your hole! — Stephen45
- Ryan Howard is a lifetime .271 hitter who never hit lower than .250 until last year when he was obviously injured. I don't understand your comment. — prop03
- Don't try to understand, you'll just be wasting your time. What you are seeing is the new chic thing to do on both the Phillies and Eagles posts, and that's to just be a "Negaposter". It's the thing to do now that makes people think they are the "real" fans. — hawaiiphillyfan
- Hey 4thand10, you seen enough homers and RBIs too? I sure haven't........— Logical1
- Albatross.— dogman5
- Wow, was there space to be filled in the Phillies Zone? That was 35 seconds that I will never regain in my life. Thanks Matt.— hawaiiphillyfan
- If Howard can stay healthy the whole season I think he's going to have a HUGE year.— SteveS11
