2010 Look Back: Ryan Howard

My Fellow Phans,

Since the season is over, it is time that we look back at the up and down campaign that was the Phillies 2010 season. To do this, I will look at player by player recaps for most of the players on the Phillies roster this season.

We’ll start with the man, with whom many fans are wrongly laying the blame for their NLCS loss, First Baseman Ryan Howard.

Ryan Howard: 2010 Stats: .276 AVG 31 HR 108 RBI (.303 AVG 0 HR 0 RBI in postseason)

Recap

It had been so long since Howard homered at the end of the season, that I honestly forget he had reached the 30 homer plateau.

Let’s face it: it was a down year for the “Big Piece”. He missed significant time due to an ankle injury that he suffered in Washington and was never really on pace when he returned especially from a power aspect. His numbers weren’t that bad overall taking into account those factors, but they truly weren’t what we have come to expect from Ryan Howard.

While it is true that Howard had no RBIs in the postseason and that he was caught looking to officially end the Phillies’ season in the NLCS facing overrated Brian Wilson, you cannot blame him for their disappointing defeat. As, I said in a previous blog post, people need to lay off Howard in that regard. He did lead the team in batting this postseason.

There were times this season when Howard looked unstoppable and other times when he looked deflated. It was that type of season for most of the Phillies hitters. We need to keep faith that our boys will return next year so they can reclaim the NL Pennant trophy back from the pesky Giants.

Looking Ahead

I think it is safe to say that Howard will be back next year. Barring any offseason injuries, Howard will be back and fully healthy for the Phillies in 2011. Once thing Howard showed me this postseason was the ability to hit strong left-handed pitching accumulating hits against Jonathon Sanchez and Javier Lopez on the Giants. This is not something that we see very often from Howard.  I expect this trend to continue and Howard will continue to improve against craft lefties.

Look for a very strong and healthy season from Howard next year just hoping he has a strong right-handed bat to protect him in the order.


Grade: B


Howard had a good season, but not as good as it could have been. His numbers were good, but just average compared to Howard's normal output. 


Vote on the right on your grade for Howard this season. 

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!