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.
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
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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
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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. 
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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
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Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, my Yahoo Contributor Page, or my Rant Sports Author Page, 
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