Damn, this guy looks like a bum right now.  2 years removed from the NL MVP, 3 years removed from the NL Rookie of the Year, and he looks like a bum.  He’s swinging at literally everything, and it’s crazy how someone so talented can have such terrible patience at the plate…or pitch recognition…he can take a walk, but strikes out at a ridiculous rate.  Not only is he hitting .163, but he’s struck out in nearly half of his at-bats and is on pace to surpass the 199 strikeouts he had last year.  That’s absolutely terrible, and the worst part is that he’s not really doing anything to change his approach and get out of the slump that he’s in.  Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and other Phillies coaches have suggested that he move closer to the plate so he becomes less likely to strike out on breaking balls hitting the outside corner of the plate, but he refuses and continues to whiff.  The stubbornness shown here is worrisome.  If I was struggling as bad as Howard is, I’d be BEGGING people to give me advice on how to improve and get out of the bad streak.  He’s done nothing, it seems, which implies that he’s perfectly content with his performance.  I’m sure that’s not the case, but Ryan, do something, because it’s painfully obvious that your current approach is anything but working.

With the way Philly media and fans are, it’s truly shocking that he isn’t getting criticized and/or booed more than he is right now.  He’s got the incredibly hot starts by Pat Burrell and Chase Utley to thank for that.  Imagine how much heat he’d get if those two weren’t doing anything…he’d be crucified already.

It doesn’t hurt that the team’s in first place either, but no matter where they are in the division, they absolutely need Howard to get things going as soon as possible.

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