How Ryan Howard Can Ultimately Hit His Way Out Of Philadelphia
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Phillies have turned things around as of late. Seven wins in their last 10 games is a far improvement over their earlier showings. A huge part of that improvement has been the improved play of Ryan Howard
Phillies writer Todd Zolecki joined Angelo Cataldi and the Morning Team on Friday morning to talk about Howard's resurgence and how it relates to his attractiveness as a potential designated hitter.
Zolecki made it clear that the Phillies would love to find a trade partner sooner rather than later with Howard currently hitting the ball well.
"I think they'd love to do it now," Zolecki said of the Phillies making a deal involving Howard. "The problem is, I don't think they're going to do it now. Just the nature of the trade market, these things develop so slowly and you really don't see much develop in May in terms of a big piece, no pun intended, being moved."
LISTEN: Todd Zolecki talks about the recent play of Ryan Howard and Phillies prospect Aaron Nola
The key for a Howard trade will be based on whether or not Howard can maintain his solid hitting long enough for teams to want to seek a deal. "It might not happen today, but I think if he keeps hitting, it's got to happen by July 31st."
With the Phillies admittedly in a rebuilding mode, the presence of players like Howard and Chase Utley seem to be hindering the team from playing some younger pieces that they need to get a look at.
Zolecki explained that he believes the team is using this time to play those potential trade chips and if the deadline passes and they are still here, the team will cycle in the young players as much as possible the rest of the season.
A young talent that Phillies fans have yet to see at Citizens Bank Park is Aaron Nola. The pitching prospect is currently dazzling at the Double-A level and it is becoming more and more clear by the day that he is a serious part of the Phillies future pitching rotation.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he's up here by August 1st after they trade Harang and Cole Hamels," Zolecki said of the possibility of seeing Nola in Philadelphia soon. "I'd be stunned if he's not up here this season."
