I got a chance to see Ryan Howard's rehab, first hand tonight in Allentown. The IronPigs won the game 2-1, sweeping the double-header from Pawtucket to go two games up in the division after the day. Ryne Sandberg's crew won both games without using a starting pitcher. Not bad. Sandberg's upbeat about Howard and Utley.
But you want to read about Ryan Howard. Here's my thoughts about "The Big Piece."
- Howard is definitely heavy and out of shape. To be fair, he was basically 100% shut down all winter. Also, let's be fair- Prince Fielder isn't exactly a model of conditioning, and he's outstanding.
- Howard got some good hacks tonight, though he didn't get hits. I thought his bat speed looked fine, and he was hitting the ball the other way. All of these are very good signs.
- His defense wasn't outstanding, but he was adequate. He didn't look awkward, he made the plays that he should, and while he didn't look like a cat down there, I think he'll survive it.
All in all, it was just good to see a guy who's meant so much to this team in recent years. He's remaining in Allentown for at least tomorrow. The Pigs are home all week.
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I find myself conflicted about the All-Stars: do I care or not? I usually hate the game, and wish it had no meaning. I almost always hate how the fans vote.
I don't think we should have three All-Stars from a last place team, on principle. With that said, all three of them are deserving. Chooch was a shoe-in with his league lead in hitting. Papelbon's been one of the best two or three closer in the NL this year. Hamels' numbers basically do speak for themselves. I think all are great picks, and well deserving of their spots.
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In the last 48 hours, Ruben has moved out Jim Thome to Baltimore, and Chad Qualls to the Yankees. That he got two warm bodies with any upside at all for Thome is impressive. On the Qualls trade, I don't care if he gets cash or a player in the end, I'm shocked that anyone took him before he was released. I don't want to give Ruben too much credit, given the state of this team, but I feel like he did alright.
Of course, this leads to the next question- how will he do with the bigger trades. Apparently the Phillies are "gauging interest" in Cole Hamels, and willing to shop Shane Victorino. These are not trades where just any warm bodies will do.
In the case of Cole, I'm going to peg the early front-runner as the Texas Rangers. Their top three non-big league prospects are all attractive candidates for the Phillies. Mile Olt, a third-baseman with 20 plus homers in AA, and Jurickson Profar, a high-ceiling AA shortstop, are both very attractive to the Phillies, as would be Martin Perez, a left-handed pitcher. The Yankees system has some interesting pieces too. The Angels have some interesting pieces in the system, and on their team too. The Dodgers seem to lack hitting in their system. I wouldn't rule out the Red Sox or Rays either.
As for Shane, so far I'd say watch the Yankees and Dodgers, but don't rule out the Red Sox.
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Finally, the Phillies signed Pujols– not that one though.
Philadelphia has signed Dominican corner outfielder Jose Pujols for $540,000.
Pujols, 16, has tremendous righthanded power and bat speed from his lanky 6-foot-4, 175-pound frame. He trained with Pedro Nivar, who is known as “Nube,” and played in the Dominican Prospect League.
I'm calling this a positive.
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We're 36-45. Back to that nightmare on Tuesday.
