Jul 22, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) before the start of a game against the San Francisco Giants Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports
It’s time for a major change in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. One potential change could be made by Ruben Amaro, Jr. that could actually make the fan base rejoice.
Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is hitting just .224 on the year with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs. Fans and many in the organization are running short on patience. Ryan Howard may not be a Philadelphia Phillie for much longer.
According to CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury, the Phillies are discussing “moving on without Howard.”
Salisbury reports:
"“Phillies officials have spent a lot of time discussing ways to retool their disappointing team in recent weeks. Trades are on the way and there could be several before next week’s non-waiver trade deadline.”“Multiple sources say the team has also discussed moving on without Howard.”“The logical next step is to release Howard. Sources say team officials have discussed the possibility of paying off Howard and moving on without him after the season.”"
And as Salisbury reported yesterday, Darin Ruf was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Ruf played first base and hit 7th Wednesday night vs the San Francisco Giants. This could lead to a potential platoon with Howard.
Ryne Sandberg told Salisbury:
"“As far as the lineup, that will be a day-to-day thing.”"
Sandberg on sitting Howard: Basically he said he has obligation to try to win. Wants to see what Ruf can do.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) July 23, 2014
Howard is signed through the next two seasons and is owed $60 million dollars. He thinks he may be able to pick up his numbers.
“As far as my career is concerned, you have good years and you have off years,” Howard told media before Wednesday’s game. “The year isn’t over yet. You guys have seen me get on hot streaks where I’ve hit 10, 11 home runs in a month. If I were to go on and have a great August and September, all of the sudden you’re talking about 35 home runs and over 100 RBIs, then we can go back to this conversation.”
In his last 101 plate appearances, he has two extra-base hits.
From Howard’s struggles to trade rumors heating up, this team is going to be very intriguing over the next several days. There could be some major shakeups on the way.