Phillies Activate Ryan Howard From The DL

Ryan Howard will be hitting cleanup for the Philadelphia Phillies when he makes his season debut Friday night.The former NL MVP has been sidelined the entire season after rupturing his left Achilles tendon while making the final out in Philadelphia's loss to St. Louis in Game 5 of the NL division series last October. He's missed 84 games."It feels good. I'm ready to go and get back in the swing of things," Howard said.Howard played in seven minor league games and went 10 for 20 with a home run. He'll be back at first place for the first time when the last-place Phillies open a three-game set against Atlanta.

Source: ESPN

 

They damn sure need him back in the line up.

 

yea they do. they have been struggling

 

They need more than Howard...lol.

 

Where do you want to begin???

I'm thrilled they got rid of Qualls.

 

I think you could begin pretty much anywhere...unfortunately.

 

Except catcher and closer.

 

He certainly didn't provide a spark. I was shocked that the Braves swept them, especially after a 5-5 homestand, and losing 2 out of 4 to the Cubs. Then go to Philly and sweep them? Good as a Braves fan. But, definitely wonder whats up with Philly. Not that I am complaining. :)

Any chance they trade anyone .. ?

 

Chip, rumors are Hamels and Victorino. No one else is really worth moving or can't be moved because of the massive contract.

 

I don't see Hamels going anywhere. I think Vic will be packing up & relocating.

 

You think the Phils will shell out the money he wants K? They have a lot invested in Lee and Haladay, I would trade him and get 3 top prospects.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if they shelled out the money. I think they do need more prospects, just don't feel they'll let go off Hamels for it.

 

"Prospects" for Hamels? Not worth it. Pay the man. They'll have a lot of coin to play with after this season once Polanco, Victorino, Pierre...the list goes on are gone.

It would be interesting to see if they could trade Hamels, get prospects and then sign him back next year...but I don't think I'd be willing to take that chance...

 

Sounds like the Lee situation all over again.

 

I'd be good with that...but like I said...not sure I'd want to risk it.

 

Yeah and what would we have to give up to get him back??

 

You'd have to hope to sign him cause they got crap to trade to get him back...

 

Exactly.. can't afford to trade him or let him test the FA market.

 

hamels is not going to re-sign here now. that idea has long passed. plus the phils arent going to get multiple top prospects for hamels IMO. he's made it clear he is going to FA which hurts his trade value. plus he's stated that if the phils trade him they would still have the chance to match any offer.

that said trade hamels for what you can get ... also trade lee, victorino, throw in dom brown if it helps and go get some players. then after polanco pierre and other contracts are gone the team can try to fill holes by going after players like michael bourne and others and try to get hamels back.

 

The Dominic Brown sweepstakes has past. I don't see him excelling in the majors at all.