For a few seasons now, the Philadelphia Phillies and Ryan Howard's struggles have coincided. After winning the World Series in 2008, both the team and first baseman have come down from championship levels to struggling to find an identity. The Phillies mistakes of bloated contracts, along with the subpar play, has made for management to want to get rid of the stars that once produced for the proud club. The recent resurgence of Howard ignites the rumor, once again, that the Phillies have Howard on the trade block.
The resurgence of Howard is coming at an odd time for Philadelphia. The Phillies are once again hovering near the bottom of the division, while their first baseman has become more efficient again at the plate.
SB Nation believes they know the reasoning behind Howard's late career revival:
"Howard is being more aggressive and swinging at the first pitch, and he's enjoying his best season since 2009 because of it, batting .270/.313/.546 with 10 homers and a Phillies-leading 133 OPS+."
The timing of Howard's comeback could become an issue for an underperforming Phillies team looking to move the star and his contract for some young talent in a trade. CBS Sports understands the conflict the Phillies are dealing with regarding Howard and the team's future:
"But while things are improving in the box score, things also have gotten complicated. As of May 2, Howard holds 10-and-5 veto rights over trades anywhere. And word going around is, he's much happier now in Philly. We are many months removed from when the Phillies were talking aloud about platooning him, or even releasing him (that report was quickly denied). He is the Phils' first baseman, without question, and he is moving up alltime Phillies lists."
Will the Phillies be able to move Howard before the trade deadline? If traded where will Howard end up? Tell us your thoughts below.
