Phillies Notes: The Ryan Howard Dilemma

tbyrd5/26/2016 6:00 PM

Before I dive into my thoughts on Ryan Howard let’s look at the current state of the 26-21 Phillies.

Pitching:

The pitching continues to be exceptional. Despite a 4-5 record in their last 9 games, the rotation has only accumulated a 3.16 ERA in the stretch while the bullpen continued to stymie the opposition holding a 2.88 ERA.

The bullpen has logged 146.1 IP so far, which only ranks as the 9th highest total in the NL thisseason. However, Hector Neris and Jeanmar Gomez rank 2nd and 4th in the NL in innings pitched. They are currently on pace to throw 90 innings each on the season.

Offense:

The bats were alive this past series as they dropped a whopping 13 runs on the Tigers who took 2 out of the 3 games. 13 runs is the 3rd most runs they have scored in a season series all year. Reality check: Baseball’s highest scoring offense, the Boston Red Sox dropped 13+ runs in 3 straight games in early May. Must be nice, Carrabis.

Odubel Herrera continues to be one of the most productive leadoff hitters in the game hitting .360 with a .948 OPS in his last 30 games. However, the 2 and 3 hole hitters continue to provide mediocre relief and have limited his overall offensive production. Having grounded into 14 double plays and the combined .721 OPS, is part of the reason why this offense continues to suffer and Odubel continues to be stranded on base (Only 27 runs scored in 46 games despite a .440 OBP). This is before we even add in the Ryan Howard dilemma.

Ryan Howard:

He has been a hot topic of late. I think I read 20 articles the past two days stating why they should release. His batting average and OPS is deplorable and with Tommy Joseph proving that he can handle the clean up spot as well as First Base, the question remains about Howard’s status. He is still owed close to 18 million on the season, which leaves Matt Klentak and the ownership group in a really tight spot. Can you really just release a guy like Howard who is owed that much money? Not to mention the $10 million buy out for next year. Then, you have to add to the equation if you should release a Ryan Howard. A man who has given 12+ years to the franchise, 2 home run titles, an MVP Award, and a World Series.

With Cody Asche on his way back from an oblique injury, names like David Lough and Emmanuel Burris will most likely lose their spot on the MLB roster. Ryan Howard in the lineup is without a doubt hurting this team, however having Howard in the dugout is a necessity. 26-21 is nice, but if they want to improve day by day, they need to treat this season as a building block for the future. Ryan Howard will continue to mentor, we saw it when he took Odubel aside after he was benched for not hustling. Howard will continue to show these young guys what it really takes to win. I know I sound more biased here instead of logical, but I grew up watching the guy. Wouldn’t it be foolish to tarnish a wonderful reputation like his and just flat out release him? Let me know your thoughts.