1 run in his last 10 outings, almost 10 innings and 2 walks, 11 k’s

Sounds just like the same Scott Patterson of the last 3 seasons now who keeps getting overlooked. He’s done it at AA and AAA all the while NOT WALKING GUYS. He has to get an extended shot.

That is unless the Yankees make a deal this summer and get someone good for first. I think Giambi’s days are numbered in pinstripes.

the stadium is packed every night, the phils may not be the best team in mlb, but they are the most exciting right now, and they really only have 1 starting pitcher. last night, they came back from down 8-0 and ended the game losing 8-6 with runners at 1st and 3rd. this team is catching fire with its fans and howard is a huge part of it.
i think the phils will sign howard to a long term deal after this season, loading the lineup and throwing hammels and any 4 other guys seems to be the plan in the bandbox they are now playing in.
i’d put howard out of your mind unless the phils really tank this season, you can bet if they make the playoffs again, it’ll be because howard has another monster summer (he started out just as slow last year) and the pressure to sign him will be irresistable.

For those reasons I think the howard trade talk is way too premature.

The opportunity cost to phillies to trade him is enormous because they are a competitive team in a bad division. They have to think they can make it to the world series this year.

Without Howard they can’t. That’s a huge loss the the phillies fans will be incensed that he was traded.

If they decided to put him on the market now many teams would be interested because he’s still under team control for 2009, 2010 and 2011. That an enormous factor.

On LaPorta – sure there’s always a lot of risk with minor leaguers. But the general idea is that the yankees and brewers really match up well with each other. The Brewers have a ridiculous number of good young hitters and the yankees have a lot of good young pitchers.

LaPorta is considered to be arguably the single best pure hitter in the minors. He’s a bad defensive player (really bad) but in terms of his bat he’s as high a probability to succeed as just about any player in the minors. Most people think he can be OK defensively at first.

SI ranked Laporta #31 out of 100 propects in ‘07 and said this:

31. Matt LaPorta, OF, Brewers: The best college hitter in last year’s draft, the Brewers are taking a risk by trying to teach him how to play left field, but all he needs to do is become adequate there, because at the plate, he’s a monster.

Will let you guys know how he looks when I see him in game action (if he has not been promoted by then).

You really think the Phillies have that kind of leverage when it’s pretty obvious they want to move him eventually? My thought is that, with the “trouble” the offense is having this year, the Yankees won’t go out and trade for a minor leaguer…they’ll sign somebody proven. Especially if Hank is yelling and screaming about doing things by force.

http://forums.nyyfans.com/show.....amp;page=5

He’s absolutely raking in AA and will get promoted to AAA soon in all likelihood.

He’s got a great bat – not just good. If the yankees could get him for a reasonable deal it would be a coup. He really is that good. I’d love for them to acquire La Porta.

To trade for Ryan Howard the deal is going to start with the Phillies asking for Joba and Phil – at least. That’s where I’d guess it will start.

He’ll be very expensive to get in terms of talent and money to sign long term.

I’d much rather sign Tex or to take a shot with a guy like LaPorta.