Philllies' Howard focusing on his swing

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Ryan Howard playfully joked with reporters for a minute inside the clubhouse at Bright House Field yesterday. But he's apparently still not ready for a question-and-answer rap session.

During his first 4 days of camp, Howard's focus has been on prepping himself for the upcoming season. Perhaps he should have the Phillies print out T-shirts with the Teddy Roosevelt message, "Speak softly and carry a big stick."

Howard has been working diligently this week with former manager Charlie Manuel, a spring training hitting instructor, in the indoor cages and on the field to improve his hitting approach. Like Howard, Manuel has politely declined interview requests on his role in camp, since he doesn't want to overstep the regular major league coaching staff.

From the outside looking in, Howard's stance looked looser and his hands appear to be a good deal lower before he swings.

"He has been working on an approach for about 2 or 3 months now," manager Ryne Sandberg said. "There are some daily conversations there with Howie and Charlie Manuel, his hitting guy, along with [hitting coach Steve Henderson] and [assistant hitting coach John Mizerock]. As far as making some adjustments there, to really zone in to something that can really be productive for him and a little bit more consistent. I think there has been a little tweaking going on there."

Did the alterations come from the coaching staff or management at the conclusion of last season?

"I think that's something he has come up with on his own, so there is some talk to find something he can bring to the ballpark on a daily basis and be productive," Sandberg said. "I think as we play some games and get some live pitching, I think that will continue. The goal like any of the hitters in camp is to find what will help them and work with them and find something they can zone in on that they be consistent with. That's the same thing with Howie right now."

Pat Burrell will be enshrined into the Phillies Wall of Fame this summer at Citizens Bank Park, the team announced.

Burrell didn't live up to the team's hope that he would develop into a perennial All-Star after they selected him with the first overall pick in the 1998 draft, but he was a vital cog in the 2008 World Series championship team. Burrell hit .257 with a .367 OBP, 251 home runs and 827 RBI in nine seasons with the Phillies, from 2000-2008.

"It's a tremendous honor and privilege to be added to the Wall next to Philly's all-time greats," Burrell said in a news release.

Only three players in team history hit more home runs: Mike Schmidt, Ryan Howard and Del Ennis. Burrell also ranked fifth in team history in walks and 10th in RBI.

"I think he was a big part of our team," Manuel said. "He became a big leader on our team, and his last 4-5 years, he was very productive for us. He did a tremendous job for us, not only on the field but in the clubhouse, too. It's very deserving."

Burrell, the 37th inductee, will be the first player from the '08 team to be enshrined. Manuel received the honor last summer.

"I think there will be some more on there," Manuel said.

Burrell's ceremony will take place on Friday, July 31 before the Phillies host the Atlanta Braves for the start of alumni weekend at Citizens Bank Park.

After the completion of the first full week of camp for Phillies pitchers, Ryne Sandberg was asked if anyone had stood out. He named one person: 2010 first-round pick Jesse Biddle. "[He's] really doing a good job," Sandberg said. "Every time he pitches and does sides, he has really good command. He's showing his pitches and seems to be really in control." . . . The Phillies will play host to the University of Tampa on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. in the first exhibition game of the season. Sandberg has not named a starter yet for the game. "He'll be either a righty or lefty," Sandberg said with a laugh. The Grapefruit League opener will follow on Tuesday in Clearwater against the New York Yankees . . . The Milwaukee Brewers reportedly reached a 2-year deal with free- agent closer Francisco Rodriguez. The deal very likely ends any dialogue that remained between the Phillies and Brewers regarding Jonathan Papelbon. Last month, Yahoo! Sports reported that the two teams had serious discussions about a trade that would send the Phillies closer to Milwaukee.