Earlier this week, Ryan Howard's no-trade clause details were revealed, as he listed nine teams he would approve a trade to. Unfortunately none of those teams are really in need of a 1B/DH, so the Phillies options to trade the "Big Piece" are limited at best. In a recent artice from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, he says this process of a Howard deal shouldn't be as difficult as the Phillies are making it out to be as yet another potential suitor for him went away this weekend.
Thee start of spring training is a little more than a month away. The clock is ticking for the Phillies to trade first baseman Ryan Howard, a task that should not be as difficult as it has proven to be.
Yet another potential destination for Howard vanished Saturday when the Rays acquired John Jaso from the A’s. Jaso likely will get significant at-bats as a left-handed DH, the role that best suits Howard at this stage of his career.
The Rangers, Yankees, Rays, A's, Mariners and Royals seemed to be possible landing spots for Howard, but some of those teams have since filled the 1B/DH vacancy. The A's have signed Billy Butler and the Royals agreed to a deal with Kendrys Morales. Also, the Rays acquired Jaso from Oakland. While Ryan may not fit in the Phillies plans moving forward, he should be able to find a place in some lineup with some other team.
Think about it this way. If the Phillies are willing to eat the majority, if not all of his salary, why are there no teams interested? For the first time since 2010, Howard is coming off of a full season without injury and will head into the offseason with a normal training schedule. He is 35, but still offers a good bit of power that should be an attractive trait for a team in need. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said he is aware that Howard's salary is an issue and that they haven't been unrealistic when it comes to asking price. Ruben also goes on to say that the Phillies have no plans to release Howard if they cannot trade him.
“We know that we have to subsidize this. We know the level of prospect or the level of player we get back will be limited. We haven’t been unrealistic on it. We’ve been very open and forthright.”
“If you’re looking for a DH and want some left-handed power – which doesn’t exist out there – and a good quality person who knows how to win and wants to play, this guy is the guy to go get,” Amaro said Saturday.
“The fact that we’ve been so public makes people think we’ll release him. That won’t happen. He’ll play for the Phillies if we don’t trade him. And hopefully he will play his butt off.
“He has things to prove. He’s finally healthy. He’s preparing himself really well . . . (A trade) is best for both parties, but there is a point of diminishing returns. At some point, we’re going to keep him, let him produce. Someone will have a need for him. He may be worth more later in the year or next year.”
The Phillies have gotten rid of Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd, landing three solid pitching prospects in return. Even if the Phils decide to eat salary, the return for Howard would likely be less.
Keep in mind that Howard's 10-5 rights kick in during May, so unless he approves a trade, he will remain a Phillie.
