Phillies' Sandberg optimistic Ryan Howard will have good season
Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has hit just .171/.216/.343 with three home runs in 70 spring at-bats, but manager Ryne Sandberg is optimistic he's due for a good season, MLB.com reports.
"You know what?" Sandberg said. "He's put in the work. He's done everything that's been asked. Hopefully all of that will pay off in the season. He's in a good place as far as his stance. He's done a lot of extra hitting. I think he has more bat speed than he had all of last year. So I look forward to those things to click and I look for him to hopefully get off to a good start and a good season."
Howard hit 58 home runs in his first full season in the majors then went on to collect at least 45 home runs in each of his next three seasons through 2009. He hasn't been able to match that production since, failing to post an OPS over .800 in any of his last three seasons. Howard hit .223/.310/.380 with 23 home runs andn 95 RBI in 569 at-bats last season.
