Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard (born November 19, 1979 in Saint Louis, Missouri) is a baseball player who currently plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. Drafted in the 5th round in 2001, Howard played in 19 games for the 2004 Phillies as a first baseman. He hit 2 home runs and hit .282.

Related Topics:
November 19 - 1979 - Saint Louis, Missouri - Baseball - Philadelphia Phillies - 2001 - Phillies - First baseman - Home runs

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In 2005, Howard took over first base duties for the injured Jim Thome, and emerged as a strong Rookie of the Year candidate in the National League. Like Thome, the left-handed power hitter has a penchant for hitting opposite-field home runs into the Left Field flower bed at Citizens Bank Park.

Related Topics:
Jim Thome - Rookie of the Year - National League - Citizens Bank Park

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Howard finished 2005 with 22 home runs and 62 runs batted in in just 385 plate appearances, but Thome's expensive contract gives the Phillies a difficult decision to make during the offseason. Possibilities include trying Howard in left field, trading Howard, or trading Thome, which would almost certainly include agreeing to pay a large portion of his salary.

Related Topics:
Runs batted in - Plate appearances - Left field

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