Showing posts with label Ryan Howard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ryan Howard. Show all posts

Monday, July 8, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies: Consequences of Ryan Howard's Recovery Time


The results of Ryan Howard's MRI on his left knee could change the trajectory on this Philadelphia Phillies' trade season. There are a variety of paths that could be taken as soon as medical information is confirmed. Here are three of them:

 1. Major knee surgery needed: Trading Darin Ruf at any point this season, or during the off-season, wouldn't be wise. It would be unknown as to when Howard would truly be healthy again and retaining Ruf serves as an insurance policy at first base. 

 Of course obtaining a one-year 'rental' first baseman could be considered if Ruben Amaro believes his team can make a playoff push. 

 2. Minor knee surgery needed: While Howard's return to action could be as soon as September, keeping Ruf through the end of the 2013 season would certainly seem wise.  

 3. No surgery needed: It's fair to estimate that Howard still won't be  back for at least a month in this 'best-of' outcome. Ruf will play most games at first base until then, potentially increasing his trade value for the off-season.

 Limbo

In any of the above scenarios, the Phillies remain in a Limbo-like state. Howard has an increasing history of injuries and is in his mid-30s. 

 With three more guaranteed years on his contract, he's highly unlikely to be wearing anything other than red pinstripes (on, or off, the bench). So, ongoing alternative plans will be required.  

(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)
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Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Maddie Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me on July 2, 2013 about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. The feature will be shown on an upcoming newscast. 

Professional reporters and video journalists are vital in an ever-changing media world. Stacey and the Fox staff were first-rate. 

I will be donating one-half of all proceeds from the sale of my soon-to-be-released illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to the non-profit group: Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

More news about the book and the story behind it will be posted in this blog as the release date nears.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, my Yahoo Contributor Page, or my Rant Sports Author Page, 
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Saturday, July 6, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies: Does Ryan Howard need surgery? + All-Stars


The answer to the headline teaser is one that no one knows for sure as of today (July 6, 2013). What's clear is that Ryan Howard's left knee has been increasingly bothering him this season. Hopefully his DL stint, due to inflammation, will allow him to heal. However, it seems reasonable to believe that continuous swelling could lead to elective (or needed) surgery. 

 Howard was noticeably gimpy was far back as spring training. As to whether this resulted because he put unusual pressure on his knee, because of lingering Achilles tendon issues, hasn't been revealed. This latest health issue could simply be what should be expected from a middle-aged baseman man.

 Brown and Lee

 On a lighter note, it's great that Domonic Brown earned his first All-Star selection and right that Cliff Lee returns to the 'Mid-Summer Classic' for the fourth time (third as a Phillie).

 Brown's emergence obviously is the feel-good story of this season. Lee continues to be the most consistent left-handed Phillies' starter since Steve Carlton. (And that's quite a comparison for sure.)

(Photo courtesy of gameuseduniverse.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Maddie Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me on July 2, 2013 about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. The feature will be shown on an upcoming newscast. 

Professional reporters and video journalists are vital in an ever-changing media world. Stacey and the Fox staff were first-rate. 

I will be donating one-half of all proceeds from the sale of my soon-to-be-released illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to the non-profit group: Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

More news about the book and the story behind it will be posted in this blog as the release date nears.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, my Yahoo Contributor Page, or my Rant Sports Author Page, 
Posted by at No comments:
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Thursday, July 4, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: July 5th Fireworks Will Be Seen


According to Tim Panaccio (a dedicated hockey journalist and a nice guy who I've had the opportunity to speak with behind the scenes during Philadelphia Flyers' games), general manager Paul Holmgren anticipates July 5th fireworks. 

 Among the rumored news is: Claude Giroux's revised and extended contract, which should be in the neighborhood of 8 years, $64 million, and the potential addition of free agent goaltender Tim Thomas. 

 The 25-year-old 'G' has exhibited the best skill set since Peter Forsberg returned to the organization toward the end of his career.

Signing the 39-year-old Thomas is intriguing because he might become Steve Mason's goaltending partner, rather than the clear starter. However, it remains to be seen if the Flyers want Thomas and would clear enough payroll space to sign him, or if there's another goalie that might fit into their crease.

(My own photo taken inside the Flyers' locker room in Philadelphia.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Maddie Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me on July 2, 2013 about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. The feature will be shown on an upcoming newscast. 

Professional reporters and video journalists are vital in an ever-changing media world. Stacey and the Fox staff were first-rate. 

I will be donating one-half of all proceeds from the sale of my soon-to-be-released illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to the non-profit group: Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

More news about the book and the story behind it will be posted in this blog as the release date nears.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, my Yahoo Contributor Page, or my Rant Sports Author Page, 
Posted by at No comments:
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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Howard will be gone before season's end



Unless the Philadelphia Phillies push their way back into the National League playoff race by the end of this month, Ryan Howard is sure to be gone. No, in all likelihood not in a trade due to the money and years remaining on his massive contract.

 Surgery?

 Howard's ongoing knee issues are clearly affecting his ability to drive the ball. My hunch is that he's hanging in there until the season is lost. If (or should we say when) that's very evident, he will either be put on the disabled list and have surgery, or begin some type of rehabilitation program. 

 I don't know if the 'Big Piece' will ever be an offensive force again. He turns 34 in November, but has basically been playing hurt. I give him credit for that and hope that's the reason why he's been unable to make any adjustments at the plate this year. 

 By this time next season we should have a deeper understanding of where Howard's career is headed.
(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Maddie Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me on July 2, 2013 about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. The feature will be shown on an upcoming newscast. 

Professional reporters and video journalists are vital in an ever-changing media world. Stacey and the Fox staff were first-rate. 

I will be donating one-half of all proceeds from the sale of my soon-to-be-released illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to the non-profit group: Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

More news about the book and the story behind it will be posted in this blog as the release date nears.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, my Yahoo Contributor Page, or my Rant Sports Author Page, 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Philadelphia Phillies' Presidential Ticket: Chase/Chooch or Howard/Hamels?



Headline Topic: Chase/Chooch or Howard/Hamels?  

Presidential Candidate:  Chase Utley 

Yes, he's had some health issues. But, there's no one who works harder for the people. 

Vice Presidential Candidate:  Carlos Ruiz
He represents someone who can take over at a moment's notice and carry the country if need be.

or 

Presidential Candidate:  Ryan Howard
He's powerful and knows how to bring our troops home.

Vice Presidential Candidate:  Cole Hamels
He'll pitch in (cheeky, yet true) whenever he's need and is now a staff leader.


While I'm following the playoffs, there are no Phillies' games to seen. As such, it's  clearly time to consider which two Phillies' players would serve as an alternative Presidential ticket in an all baseball world.


So, for however many days this takes, I will be presenting a series of competing Presidential tickets that feature one pair of Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates per day. 

ATTACK AD --->>> If there is anyone who doesn't like this type of lighthearted humor, my recommendation is that you get over yourself. It costs you nothing (including your precious time) to read this blog post. So, deal with it. 

As for the rest of us...cast your vote!  :-)

Recent Headline Topic:  Hope for Phillies' Darin 'Babe' Ruf 

Seeing Darin Ruf hit numerous home runs out of a Double-A park in Reading was thrilling. Seeing him hit his first major league home run, during the first game that he started in left field for the Philadelphia Phillies was priceless (to coin an advertising cliche.)  

Will he actually develop into a major league player? Could that happen by next season? No one knows the answers to these questions, but personal stories have always drawn me to this specific game.

Here is my feature article about him.

Classic Headline Topic:  The Best Phillies of the Current Era

-->>Due to the volume of interest generated in this specific article, it has been re-posted. If you have read it, or choose to open this link now, I hope that you enjoy:  
The 10 Best Philadelphia Phillies of This Era

Classic Headline Topic: The anniversary of Pete Rose's 4,192 hit.

Pete broke Ty Cobb's hit record on 9/11/85. The man was unique in the annals of baseball history. 

For those who are interested, my recent feature comments on Rose's time with the Phillies and the complex feelings that many of us have about his gambling issues:
Phillies' great Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, and baseball justice
Classic Headline Topic: Three Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own feature article:

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

Recent Headline Topic: Eagles-Giants' Game

Both teams are 2-1. This looks to be a game the Eagles should win. 

Divisional and Conference games matter just as much now as they do later in the season. The Birds can't let this one slip away. 

It will be interesting to see how Vick performs in what has been an erratic effort to-date.

Recent Headline Topic: Tony DiLeo 

The hiring of DiLeo as GM promotes from within and represents another feel-good move that the newest Sixers ownership group has made. 

With Doug Collins seemingly likely to continue to have strong influence on this team, all signs remain positive for the resurgence of this basketball franchise. 

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Thank You to over ---3.7 Million Readers---of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. Every click has helped my freelance position to be a better one. If there is any way that you feel I could be of help to you, feel free to get in touch with me:

I've enjoyed connecting with many people through social media. Feel free to click on the links below if you would like to:

Add me on Facebook 

Follow me on Twitter  @SeanyOB

Connect to my Yahoo: Featured Contributor Page

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading any of my Yahoo Voices features that might interest you:

A Model's Life: An Interview with Kourtney Reppert





The Always Fashionable Biana DeMarco


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Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember
When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.

Hockey

Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like:
The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed
Posted by at No comments:
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Monday, September 10, 2012

Two Philadelphia Phillies' Icons + Three Philadelphia Flyers' Legends


Headline Topic: Ryan Howard and Mike Schmidt

Ryan Howard and Mike Schmidt are indelible members of the Phillies franchise. I'm pleased to have been alive to see both of these great sluggers. 

 Schmidt is undoubtedly one of the greatest players (not just third baseman) of all-time. Howard is one of the great sluggers of this era. 

 Here is my recent feature about both men: 
Howard's Importance in the Phillies' Lineup is Undeniable

Headline Topic II: Three Flyers' Legends

I enjoyed writing two features this week about Brian Propp, Dave Poulin, and Tim Kerr. 
These three Flyers are among the best in team history, so it was natural to pass my 'writing puck' from Propp, to Poulin, and then to Kerr (on the power play of course) during the past three days.

It was great to see both Propp and Poulin at the Winter Classic Alumni game last New Year's Eve Day and to be with them in the locker room after the game. Both are classy gentleman.

Kerr wasn't involved with the game, but it was interesting to learn that he has done some marvelous charity work for children since retiring. 

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect

Last, but not least, Kerr's link became available today:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank You to over ---3.6 Million Readers---of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. Every click has helped my freelance position to be a better one. If there is any way that you feel I could be of help to you, feel free to get in touch with me:

I've enjoyed connecting with many people through social media. Feel free to click on the links below if you would like to:

Add me on Facebook 

Follow me on Twitter  @SeanyOB

Connect to my Yahoo: Featured Contributor Page

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading any of my Yahoo Voices features that might interest you:






The always fashionable Biana DeMarco


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember
When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.

Hockey

Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like:
The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,
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