Eyebrows were raised a little bit last week when the Phillies scheduled media availability for all of the team's veteran players. That is, all of the big-name veterans except for first baseman Ryan Howard. It seemed like a stretch at the time, but perhaps the reason was that Howard was possibly going to be moved before he would come to camp. One report today said that the Phillies were having ongoing trade discussions.
According to Fox 29's Howard Eskin, the Phillies are talking a deal:
Hear trade tlk 4 R. Howard more active w unidentified team. #phillies want certain player. RAJ told me "Howard will start 1b opening day.
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) February 22, 2015
Amaro stating that Howard would be the team's starting first baseman was simply a way to deny the discussions.
If the Phillies and another team are that close on a deal, the Phillies should not let compensation get in the way. Moving Howard would do so much to free up space in the Phillies' crowded infield. While Jimmy Rollins was traded, the team has no immediate prospect to play the position. At first base, the Phillies could play Darin Ruf, Maikel Franco, or move Cody Asche to the outfield to free up natural positions for Ruf and Franko at first base and third base, respectively.
The Phillies' first full-squad workout is on Tuesday, so the Phillies would probably prefer to have the deal done by then, should they work out a deal.
