June 20: POSTGAME -- Howard's power

Ryan Howard's workday started at about 2:30 p.m.

As I walked into Citizens Bank Park, I spotted Howard at first base. Bench coach Gary Varsho was hitting him ground balls, and every so often, infield coach Bill Dancy would stop the exercise and give Howard some instruction.

Soon after that, Howard went through the Phillies' usual stretching routine, took batting practice and went 3-for-3 with two homers, a triple and seven RBIs.

If you're counting, that's 49 career home runs in 176 games for Howard.

And the best thing about him is his humility.

Asked what he thought of Yankees CF Johnny Damon's remark that "it was a pleasure to watch him," Howard said, "It's kind of exciting for me to hear those guys say something like that."

Later, Howard was told he has surpassed Albert Pujols for the major-league lead in RBIs with 66. He said, "That's cool. Albert's a great hitter. He's been out for like a month, but hey, I'll take it. I'll be up there with him."

Finally, here's the best quote that didn't make the cut in your morning paper: "We kept coming back and coming back, and eventually, we beat Howard." -- Yankees SS Derek Jeter.