Comments on: Ryan Howard’s Psychology

By: All Philadelphia Sports

All Philadelphia Sports — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 14:57:23 +0000

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.

By: Micah

Micah — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:06:36 +0000

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.

By: Tom G

Tom G — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 22:29:19 +0000

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?

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:43:24 +0000

I think Howard will be fine. I’m more worried about Pat (.178) Burrell and the bullpen.