2 years ago
via mlbquestions.com
Ryan Howard recently signed a contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies for $125 million through 2017. Should he stay with the Phil
lies through the duration of the contract he will be nearly 38 years old. With his body type and the kind of player he is, I would think his production would drop significantly by the end of the contract. He's a big power hitter, who strikes out a lot and plays average or a little above average defense. Do you think the Phillies made the right move in the long run? I think short term it's great, but can't help but thinking his skills will deteriorate before the end of the contact more so than say a Chase Utley or Jimmy Rollins who are more athletic and can do more things than Howard. They aren't the power hitters that Howard is, but better overall game. Any thoughts?
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For the Philadelphia Phillies this was definitely the correct move. As far as his skills diminishing, that happens to everyone, but I have to disagree with your assessment when compared to Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. I played a bit of professional baseball and from what I have seen it is the smaller, quicker, athletic guys who see their skills diminish a little quicker. When you lose step or two and are a middle infielder, you become a lot less valuable to your team. I have seen players that are good hitters and middle infielders, moved to the corners or to designated hitter in the American League as they grow older. In Howard’s case he is already a corner man, thus not requiring a move as long as he is productive. It’s the legs that seem to go first, so with his upper body strength you guys in Philly will enjoy him for a long time. When the times comes he may be ripe trade bait to the American League on a team needing a DH with a lot of pop in his bat, which I have no doubt will still be there. Of course my answer all depends on each of the players mentioned working hard to stay in shape.
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