Philadelphia Phillies: Where Do They Turn for Offense If Ryan Howard Flops?
March 16, 2012 by Joe Iannello
Filed under Fan News
The Philadelphia Phillies led MLB in wins in 2011 with a franchise record 102. They have sold out a team record 204 consecutive games, and that record doesn’t look like it’s going to end any time soon.
The Phillies have the best pitching staff in baseball, and they backed up that claim last season when they finished with the lowest ERA in MLB. They were the odds on favorite to win the National League and bring home another World Series trophy.
They came out on fire in Game 1 of the NLDS, scoring 11 in one game, but their offense again fluttered in the postseason. They only managed 10 total runs in the next four games.
Charlie Manuel and GM Ruben Amaro have spoken at length this offseason about a new approach and mindset to the Phillies offense. Well, the offense hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders (albeit without Chase Utley and Ryan Howard) but are we really to assume that all is well with the Phillies lineup when the “Big Piece” returns?
Here is where Phillies Nation can look for help if Ryan Howard is a non-factor in 2012.