Ryan Howard and history

In what can best be described as not a moment too late, Ryan Howard will make his much anticipated return to the Phillies line-up tonight. The real question is, not will Howard lead the Phillies on a second half run back into the playoff race, but will his extended absence lead Phillie fans to be more appreciative of his big bat? Does absence truly make the heart grow fonder?

Yes, Ryan Howard strikes out. Sometimes with men in scoring position. Sometimes with the game on the line. But the powerful slugger also hits home runs and drives in runners at a historic rate. Unsure of Howard's place among the game's great sluggers? Chew on the following stats.
Howard is one of four players to hit 45 or more home runs and drive in at least 135 RBI in four consecutive seasons. The other three? A legend by the name of Babe Ruth, a future Hall of Famer in Ken Griffey Jr. and a cork bat swinging, steroid user in Sammy Sosa. Pretty decent company.

Yes, Howard's stats have declined in 2010-2011. But so have all of baseball's power numbers. These were also the first two seasons when Howard missed any real time due to injuries. Still, the Big Piece managed to set a club record by bashing over 30 home runs and 100 RBI in his fifth and sixth consecutive seasons. Howard also holds the major league record for quickest to reach 100, 150, 200 and 250 home runs.

Does Howard strike out too much? Sure. But what power hitter doesn't? Would his batting average be higher if he made more contact? Of course, but it would also be higher if not for the dreaded shift employed whenever he bats.  Could Howard lay down a bunt down the third base line and get an occasional infield single? Sure, but how many HRs would he sacrifice doing that? Besides if Howard hit over .300 with record breaking power, he wouldn't just be the greatest power hitter of his generation, but he'd be in the conversation as one of the top players of all time. Is it truly fair to criticize a player 'cause he's not quite one of the Greatest of All Time?

Does Howard hold the record for strike outs in a World Series? Yes. Does he also hold the record for most consecutive games in a single postseason with an RBI? Yes. Is Ryan Howard a player without flaws? Of course not. But the closest thing to a flawless player we've seen is a big-headed, steroid using snarly fellow by the name of Barry Bonds. What Ryan Howard is is a player who strikes fear in the hearts of pitchers and makes managers alike, stabilizes a line-up, and just maybe, one day could make a stop at Cooperstown.