Earlier in the offseason Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro told first baseman Ryan Howard that the team would be better off without him than with him. And apparently he wasn't lying when he said that.
It was previously speculated, but now sources have confirmed that the Phillies are ramping up efforts to trade Howard, even if it's going to cost them a pretty penny. The 35-year-old batted .223/.310/.380 last year with 23 home runs and 95 RBIs, but struck out a league-high 190 times. He's owed a lot of money over the next two seasons.
"Howard is not, will not be and arguably never was the guy worthy of a $125 million extension in 2010, and the Phillies acknowledged as much in trade talks this winter, telling (uninterested) teams they're willing to swallow a significant sum of the $60 million still owed to Howard over the next two years. Word is, the team would be willing to take on somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million," writes Anthony Castrovince of Sports on Earth.
This news now puts an overwhelming majority of teams in play to acquire Howard since he could potentially only cost them $10 million over the next two seasons. Some American League teams who can use some power at the designated hitter position on the cheap are almost guaranteed to jump in on this opportunity depending on what Amaro wants in return for the slugger. The GM has been stubborn the entire offseason regarding his veterans, particularly Cole Hamels and Jonathan Papelbon, and will not trade them unless he gets exactly what he wants.
Philadelphia is in rebuilding mode and Howard serves little purpose on their roster, but the Phillies logic in making these trades is bizarre, to say the least.
In trade discussions for Hamels and Papelbon there have been reports of the Phillies not being satisfied about player compensation coming back to them while also looking to entirely relieve themselves of the remaining money on their contracts (Hamels is guaranteed $96 million over four years and Papelbon will earn $26 million over the next two if he finished 48 games in 2015). The team can get the most value for these players, but have failed to trade them and even seemingly burned bridges with potential suitors (see Brewers, Milwaukee).
And now they're offering to eat $50 million just to get rid of Howard?
"Scouts have noted that Howard has looked more fleet of feet and bat alike," added Castrovince. "On Sunday, he went deep for the second time this spring. Manager Ryne Sandberg noted Howard has found a stance and a swing that allows him to utilize the whole field."
It's all puzzling, but it's nothing new. Nonetheless, all of these potential moves will be closely monitored.
