Time to feel sorry for Ryan Howard?

On mobile? Click here to enlarge

"You want to trade places with me? You want to see what it's like?"

It was last summer when a frustrated Ryan Howard unleashed these now-infamous rhetorical questions on a reporter, leading to year-long ridicule for the man making $25 million a year.

For those without a calculator, that comes out to over $154,000 per game, more than most of us make in an entire year. So probably not the most artful way for the multi-millionaire to vent.

Since then, Howard hasn't been the most sympathetic player to Phillies fans, but considering how awkward this season is going to be for the aging first baseman, fans may want to think about giving him some slack.

First of all, Howard is going to show up to Spring Training this year an unwanted man. His own GM, Ruben Amaro Jr., told reporters (and Howard) that the organization would be better off without him. You want to witness awkward, tune in after the Phillies first practice to hear the questions that'll be thrown Howard's way.

Then, let's not forget about all the drama with his family. As David Murphy reported back in November, Howard had been embroiled in a nasty legal fight with his mother, father and brother, who sued him over the control of his finances.

According to Ryan's countersuit, "By late 2011, Ryan had become concerned with whether Corey and his other family members were really working to protect his financial interests or were attempting to enrich themselves at his expense."

These are the same family members once touted as close and trusted confidants, now revealed as greedy money-grubbers angry over the loss of their golden goose. Even for the most seasoned professional that would be difficult to handle. Lump onto that the animosity Howard's struggles at the plate have earned him among fans, not to mention last year's early-season benching, and you can see why he might have lost his cool.  

Let's also not forget Howard is one of the most productive players in Phillies history. Even last season, with Howard as a shell of his former self, the former superstar still hit 23 home runs and knocked in 95 RBI, fourth most in the National League.

Yes, he's overpaid, and yes, the Phillies would be better off if the were able to ship him away, but we often treat Howard as if it's his fault, myself included. I've drawn some rough cartoons about Howard over the years (click images to enlarge):

I'm not saying fans can't be critical of Howard's performance - they should be. I just think the A-Rod level of anger Phillies fans have been dishing his way seems exaggerated, and should be redirected at a more deserving target.

Maybe someone who's name rhymes with "Shruben Shmaro."