FAMILY MATTERS

By now, you’ve heard/read about Ryan Howards’ familial breakdown over the past two or so years.  His twin brother (and seemingly best friend), mom, and dad have been fleecing Howard for millions.  Apparently, the issues have now been resolved with an out-of-court settlement.

We had been waiting to see how Howard would do once healthy from his nagging ankle, heel, knee issues.  He seemed healthy last year as he appeared in 153 games.  In those 153 games he struggled terribly looking like a shell of his 30HR 110RBI self. He looked lost in many at-bats.

After today, we know he hasn’t been healthy. Not mentally healthy. Not for a couple of years. We all know, as Yogi said, “Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.” Suing and fighting with your family could be a huge distraction while trying to hit major league pitching.

The consensus of Phillies fans want Howard traded, but here’s the rub. What if he’s finally physically AND mentally healthy this year? Do you want Howard back at 30-35HR and 110-120RBI? Do you want to trade him for basically nothing and watch him bounce back with another team?

His salary is high, but that salary isn’t what is standing in the way of the Phillies competing. They have the cash. Howard’s performance has impeded success, along with Chase, Dom, and others.  Can’t forget about Ruben’s inability to procure talent.  Do you gamble and see if he bounces back? What’s there to lose? Maikel Franco will still be here to play in May or June to play first base if Howard still sucks.

If Howard is what we saw this year, then the Phillies can always trade him for nothing. However, if he looks reinvigorated in 2015, the Phillies can trade him for more value.  That might be worth the gamble. Gambling is fun!