Phil Sheridan: RBI machine: Forget Howard's average. He's still producing big-time.

Say this about Ryan Howard. He's never boring. In another big game against the rival New York Mets last night, Howard was everything that makes fans wring their hands and clap their hands. He struck out twice, adding to his commanding major-league lead in that ignominious category. He committed an awful throwing error that opened the door to two Mets runs in the top of the fourth.

Considering they had only one other run at that point, that was significant. In the bottom of the fourth, Howard broke up John Maine's no-hit bid by lofting one of those picture-perfect opposite-field home runs to left. The three-run shot was as lovely as the throw into left field was ugly. The home run tied the game and kept alive Howard's bid for one of the strangest seasons in baseball history. He is hitting .224 - thanks to a recent hot streak that ...