Ryan Howard Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Phillies Star

Ryan Howard has been a cornerstone for the Philadelphia Phillies throughout his career, but it remains to be seen if he’ll stay with the organization as it considers trading him away.

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Phillies Reportedly Cover Financial Burden to Move Howard

Wednesday, March 18

Anthony Castrovince of Sports on Earth reported news of the Phillies’ attempt to trade Howard:

Howard is not, will not be and arguably never was the guy worthy of a $125 million extension in 2010, and the Phillies acknowledged as much in trade talks this winter, telling (uninterested) teams they’re willing to swallow a significant sum of the $60 million still owed to Howard over the next two years. Word is, the team would be willing to take on somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million.

The Phillies appear to be at a crossroads entering the 2015 regular season. The team is currently dealing with an injury to Cliff Lee, which could eventually require surgery. Veteran pitcher Cole Hamels has been in trade rumors for months, and this isn’t even the first time we’ve heard Howard’s name mentioned in trade talks.

On March 9, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, citing sources, reported “the Orioles are keeping an eye on Howard this spring.” It’s no surprise teams would be monitoring Howard, as he is performing fairly well thus far in spring training, according to Castrovince:

Scouts have noted that Howard has looked more fleet of foot and bat alike. On Sunday, he went deep for the second time this spring. Manager Ryne Sandberg noted Howard has found a stance and a swing that allows him to utilize the whole field.

“I think he’s found something he’s comfortable with,” Sandberg said, “and he’s getting results.”

If the Phillies feel the organization is best suited long-term by moving Howard in order to develop a younger player, covering the majority of his salary is a worthwhile move. The Orioles would also make sense as a trade partner since the Phillies wouldn’t have to see Howard in the American League, and at 35 years old with injury concerns, Howard would be a suitable designated hitter. 

Despite playing in 71 games in 2012 and 80 games in 2013, Howard bounced back last season to play in 153 games. For his career, Howard has accumulated 334 home runs and 1,058 RBI.

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Phillies Trade Rumors: Philadelphia Must Stay Away From Carlos Quentin

The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to put a vice grip on the National League East, National League and major league.

They have toyed with the ideas of bringing in a veteran right fielder to cement their lineup with Names such Carlos Beltran and Hunter Pence being thrown around of late.

In wake of Beltran being shipped off to the Bay to join the Giants, the Phillies are looking to the Windy City for a new target.

“Source: Phillies have done background work on Carlos Quentin, who could be middle-of-the-order bat they covet,” according to ESPN’s Buster Olney on Twitter. 

I don’t disagree that this would be a power move for the Phils. I also don’t disagree that he would make a nice fit in the heart of the lineup because let’s be serious, you and I could do some damage in this lineup.

Yet the Phils must stay away from Quention until they exhaust all of their resources trying to land All-Star Hunter Pence from Houston. Now that would be the power move to give the Phils a stranglehold on the majors.

I’m sorry, did I say stranglehold? I meant death grip.

No team could compete with the Phillies if they land Pence over Quention because his defense is simply far superior.

Quentin is inferior in the outfield as he is slower and has a weaker arm than Pence. Though he displays fine power, he has been inconsistent during his career.

Is this man ready for the bright lights and pressure of Philly? I’m not so sure, considering he couldn’t even handle it in the Windy City.

The soon-to-be 29-year-old is in the prime of his career and has 20 homers and 62 RBI on the season. Unfortunately, he does not hit for average like Pence does.

Whereas Pence is currently hitting over .300, Quentin is hitting .265 and is a career .254 hitter. He has not lived up to his expectations since exploding on the scene in 2007 with 36 HR and 100 RBI.

Obviously, Quentin is a fine acquisition. Nobody would dispute that he could do damage in Philly’s lineup, but it’s all about Pence’s combination of defense and offense. Domonic Brown has the defense Philly wants in Quentin while Quentin has the offense Philly wants in Brown.

Why not exhaust your resources to land the man who can do it all? Philly has the ability to woo Houston into a deal for Pence because they have quality prospects a team like the Astros would covet.

Pence has every tool necessary to dominate for this team and he is younger with an affordable contract.

If Philly doesn’t do everything in its power to land Pence to secure a dynasty its fans have never seen before, they may have to consider this a disappointing trade deadline.

-Brandon Galvin is a Bleacher Report Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer. Follow Him on Twitter.

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