Phillie Notes: Howard's Malaise, Rollins' Sabbatical

Howard's Malaise:

In the last month and a half, Ryan Howard's strikeouts have been increasing, and his batting average, slugging and on-base percentages have been declining. Last night was his first home run since June 20 and he has hit only three since June 11. It was also his first four-bagger to the opposite field since June 7. This last factoid may be most telling.

Howard was reported to have worked intensely on going the other way at the plate in spring training and the fruits of this were seen in April and May with a higher batting average and fewer K's. When the homers started to come in bunches, a high percentage was to left and left-center. But that has not been the case in recent weeks.

We have seen this movie before, usually several times each season. Howard is productive and consistent when going with the pitch; far less so when he doesn't. Perhaps the absence of Ibanez is allowing opposing pitchers to give the first baseman less to hit but it's time for Howard to make some adjustments. Maybe last night was a sign that he is.


Rollins' Sabbatical:

Charlie Manuel sat Jimmy Rollins down for 4 games last week as a form of therapy for the shortstop's extended hitting slump. Upon his return, Rollins had 2 hitless games, but then followed up with a solid series against the Mets. So did Manuel's treatment work? Maybe, but
it was probably just coincidental. Did anyone think that Rollins was going to go 0 for 300 in the next three months?

After his sabbatical, J-Roll was probably the focus of even more attention with everyone examining his every move to detect signs of change - different batting stance, more relaxed, less relaxed, smiling, not smiling, etc. Better to sit him for one game, then return him to the lineup toward the bottom of the order where there's a little less attention than in the leadoff spot.