Bob Ford | Howard hasn't found his stroke

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, March, 2007 | by Bob Ford Inquirer Columnist

CLEARWATER, Fla. - There are so many other things to consider at the moment, the small matter of the starting rotation, for instance, and the burning question of whether Fabio Castro or Clay Condrey is a better fit for the Phillies' somewhat formless bullpen, but eventually it might become time to pay attention to Ryan Howard, too.

After going 0 for 3 yesterday against the Atlanta Braves in a sloppy 7-4 loss, the reigning Most Valuable Player in the National League is batting .239 in spring training with just two home runs in his 46 at-bats. He is clearly struggling to relocate the stroke that produced 58 home runs and a .313 average last season.

Few would expect Howard to duplicate his power numbers from a year ago...