ATLANTA -- OK, this much we know: Ryan Howard won't be a starter in the All-Star Game. Among NL first basemen, Lance Berkman has a big lead in the fan balloting, and justifiably so. Berkman is having a huge year for the Astros.But is it possible that Howard could be an All-Star reserve?
I know what you're thinking: Have you seen Howard's batting average? (After going 1-for-4 in last night's 7-3 win over the Braves, he's at .219.) Have you seen the strikeouts? (Howard has fanned 115 times in 320 at-bats.) And have you seen Howard's defense? (He committed two errors in the ninth inning last night, giving him nine miscues and causing some sweaty-palm moments for Phillies Nation.)
But Howard also has 21 home runs. Across the majors, only Dan Uggla (23), Chase Utley (23) and Berkman (22) have more. Howard has 71 RBIs, more than any player in the NL and second in the majors to only Josh Hamilton (82). And, believe it or not, Howard is batting .287 with runners on base and .333 with runners in scoring position.
"He's hit pretty good with men on base, and that just shows you he's contributing," Charlie Manuel said. "Until we find someone that's knocking in 71, you might have to overlook [the low batting average]. Who else in the league has 71?"
That's precisely my point. All-Star reserves are picked by player balloting, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle and an online ballot in which fans select a player for the final roster spot. It's certainly possible that Howard's home-run and RBI numbers will be too overwhelming to ignore. Then again, the NL is filled with good first baseman -- Berkman (.358 AVG/22 HR/68 RBI/1.140 OPS), Albert Pujols (.348/17/47/1.111), Adrian Gonzalez (.288/21/68/.886), Mark Teixeira (.273/16/63/.867), Derrek Lee (.295/15/51/.868), to name a few -- who are equally or more deserving than Howard.
To me, in the final analysis, Howard's average, strikeouts and defense can't be ignored, and those other first basemen are having better seasons, regardless of the power numbers. But what do you think? Should Howard make the All-Star team?
***
Martin Frank spent the evening in Allentown to watch Brett Myers' debut for triple-A Lehigh Valley and wrote a column that made me feel like I was there, too. Among Martin's most interesting observations: Myers threw mostly fastballs in the first inning, rarely topping 90 mph. Then, he scrapped the fastball and threw almost entirely curveballs. By the third inning, the scoreboard displaying pitch speed at Coca Cola Park mysteriously shut off.But, when it was over and Myers had yielded three runs in five innings (all the runs came in the fifth), everyone from assistant GM Mike Arbuckle to Lehigh Valley pitching coach Rod Nichols to Myers himself seemed happy with the outing.
How bizarre.
***
Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson pitched in relief last night, and without them, the Phils may not have won the game. Durbin, in particular, bailed Adam Eaton out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the sixth inning, underscoring his importance in the bullpen. So, once again, I think all signs are pointing to Lehigh Valley lefty J.A. Happ taking Myers' place. I believe the Phils are trying to decide between Happ and lefty Brian Mazone. Both have good numbers, but Happ has pitched better lately. He's also already on the 40-man roster, so it seems like a logical move.
We should find out for certain later today. You'll know when I know, so please make sure to check back for that.
3 comments:
Brian Mazone is a left-hander, not a right-hander.
Good catch, josephw. After a long night of writing, I need editors like you!
Some may recall that Mazone was called up in 2006 to make a spot start that never happened. The game was washed out by rain, and the Phils sent him back to triple-A before he ever threw a pitch. He's close friends with Chris Coste, and Coste once mentioned that Mazone was thinking of pitching overseas. Coste talked him out of it, convincing him that if he left affiliated baseball, it would be twice as hard to get back.
Mazone did actually pitch in Korea during part of last year-- he convinced them to trade him there, but he came back this year. I think his thinking last year was that the Phillies already had tons of starters and then he realized he would have gotten his chance when they were pitching guys like John Ennis at the end of the year.
I remember that 2006 spot start rainout. That was terribly sad. I always hoped he would get another spot start, though I'm thinking Happ is probably the better option for tomorrow. Maybe Mazone can get a few spot starts if we get a huge September division lead and we want to rest a few guys.
Post a Comment