Ryan Howard’s Psychology
A couple months ago I suggested the possibility that Howard’s softly expressed disappointment with his contract situation might get in the way of his playing baseball. Those who responded to this idea didn’t think it was anything to worry about. But something has clearly gone wrong with Ryan Howard.
As Enrico over at The 700 Level points out, RyBo has gone 1 for 23 in his last 7 games. So how do we explain this?
Are we supposed to explain it away as just a freak of Spring Training? Are we to suppose that things will turn around on April 2nd? Are supposed to have faith that Ry is just waiting to flip the switch?
I think the problem is somewhere deeper than “Spring Training Fluke” - I’m starting to strongly suspect that Ryan Howard has let his head get to him. Whether that translates into “lack of off-season preparation” or “chip on his shoulder for not getting the money he thought he deserved” doesn’t matter. I think the current slump can probably be traced to some psychological issue that he needs to identify and get over.
So what do you think is wrong with RyBo? Do you have faith that’s he’s gonna be ok and that time will work things out? Or, do you think that there’s a deeper issue that he needs to actively address?
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Posted on March 28, 2007 by Micah | Filed Under Phillies, Philadelphia
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I think Howard will be fine. I’m more worried about Pat (.178) Burrell and the bullpen.
On the list of things you need to worry about in regards to the Phillies, “Ryan Howard” comes just after “switch to pink road uni’s”.
Are we so bitter and jaded from the whole Terrell Owens saga in this town that when a player hits a bad patch we automatically assume he is disgruntled?
Tom G, you’re oversimplifying my position. I’m not saying that Howard is disgruntled. Rather, I’m suggesting 1) that his success the last 2 seasons may have affected his work ethic in the off-season and 2) offseason contract issues could have gotten to him.
Not that he’s like T.O. But I could imagine thoughts like this affecting him - “What if I have a down year in year 3? Will I still get rewarded for years 1 and 2?”
My point is that these thoughts go through everyone’s head, and they have the potential to mess with physical performance. Subtle little things mental thoughts can throw off a swing.
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ryan thinks about next year’s “promise” of a big contract and feels that pressure when he’s at bat.
You are free to disagree and believe that Howard is above such distractions, but I don’t think so.
Phillies GM, Pat Gillick said there’s no need to worry. Howard is in great shape and it just takes some people more time than others to get their swing back. Howard’s swing is close to being there.