Exit Jim Thome, Enter Ryan Howard
Last year, the Phillies were in quite the dilemma with all-star Jim Thome out due to injury and first base prodigy Ryan Howard filling in for Thome at 1st. The Phils were attempting to get into the postseason and threw around the idea of trading Howard for some pitching help down the stretch at the end of the season. Fortunately for the Phillies, none of those trades came to fruition and Howard remained on the Phillies squad. Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins almost carried the Fightins into the playoffs and this season they will look do exactly that as well.
During the offseason, the Phillies solved their problem in centerfield as well as clearing first base up for Ryan Howard by trading Jim Thome to the Chicago White Sox for CF Aaron Rowand. Unfortunately the Phillies couldn’t find a way to have both Thome and Howard in the same lineup since they both play 1st base. If the Phillies played in the American League, the situation would have been much easier since Charlie Manuel could have simply put Thome or Howard at DH every game. However, this is all wishful thinking and the Phillies had to make that roster move in order to better their ball club.
Ryan Howard has been dominant to say the least during this Spring Training. In 47 plate appearances, Howard is batting .362 with 8 HRs and 14 RBIs. His 8 HRs lead the majors thus far in Spring Training. His on base percentage is .415 while his slugging percentage is .915. Yes, I repeat .915. Based on those numbers, it’s easy to see why new GM Pat Gillick traded away Thome to allow for the emergence of a great young baseball player. It’s just sad to see Thome leave Philadelphia since he was such a bright figure in the Philly community that wanted so badly to come to Philly just a few years ago. Personally, I believe that Thome is primed for a great season this year coming off his injury and I could see him hitting 30 plus home runs for the White Sox.
I wish the best of luck to Jim Thome, but I hope that Ryan Howard’s play at first base and at the plate will help Phillies fans forget what we are missing in Thome.
- Kyle Garis
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Posted on March 21, 2006 by Kyle Garis | Filed Under Philadelphia, Phillies
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