Pharewell to the Phillies

Ryan Howard played his final game for the Phillies on Sunday. In just over a dozen seasons, the onetime National League Rookie of the Year and MVP banged out 382 home runs in Philadelphia red and white.  He was "the Big Piece," the slugger who joined Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz in the most productive era in Phillies history.
The last remaining player from the clubs that won five consecutive NL East titles, Howard's career and Phillies history changed forever five years when he snapped his Achilles in making the final out of the 2011 Division Series against the Cardinals. The injury took a tremendous toll on his agility and performance: the big man was a shadow of himself when he finally returned to action. So it was hardly a shock when the club informed him that it would not pick up his contract option for next season.
Some might believe the disappointing years at the end of his tenure -- at $25 million a season -- tarnish Howard's image. But I'm not blaming Howard -- the club wanted to lock up their number-one slugger before he got a chance to test free agency. Unfortunately, fate dealt both Howard and the Phillies a cruel blow.
Looking back through the lens of history, Ryan Howard was, plain and simple, the best 1st baseman in Phillies history and was a key contributor to a period fans will look back on fondly. An intimidating figure in the batter's box, he'll be remembered for his power -- and his gentle demeanor. A place on the club's Wall of Fame awaits him.
What's next? Maybe a DH job in the American League -- although more teams are moving away from having fulltime DHs and using the position for "a half off" rotated among regulars. Plus. even with a big pay cut, Howard won't come cheap -- so it'll hard at this point to see what team might be a good match for him. But his 2017 address won't be in Philadelphia.

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