That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: Top five MLB Draft classes since 1998

By George Stockburger

Rhys Hoskins #17 and Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Rhys Hoskins #17 and Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Ryan Howard
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Ryan Howard /

4. 2001, Ryan Howard & Gavin Floyd

There’s little debate the Ryan Howard being selected with the 140th overall pick is one of the best picks in recent memory. With 382 home runs, second in franchise history, Howard was one of baseball’s most feared power hitters. From 2006-09 Howard’s 198 home runs were more than David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, Jim Thome, Alex Rodriguez, and Prince Fielder.

To put it simply, the Phillies run wouldn’t have happened without the Big Piece in the middle of the lineup. Howard’s achillies injury was the beginning of the end for the Phillies, proving his worth even more.

Floyd’s career wasn’t as decorated as Howards, but he still pitched for 13 seasons in the big leagues. After three years in Philadelphia Floyd was traded to the White Sox, where he’d play seven seasons, for Freddy Garcia. Floyd’s career would take him to Atlanta, Cleveland, and Toronto before his retirement after 2016.

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