[MVB]

Yes, but without Howard, the Phillies would be a terrible team.

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by MVB

Yes, but without Howard, the Phillies would be a terrible team.

Howard and Pujols mean the same thing to their respective teams. Neither means more than the other. Howard is the power hitter while Pujols is the more complete hitter though. But remember where Howard plays, that ballpark probablky adds at least 10-15 home runs that wouldn't be in other parks.

[legend]

Both of these teams ARE mediocre clubs, and that's with Pujols and Howard. I have to look at the fact that Pujols hits for a higher average,has scored 13 more runs, has 114 fewer strikeouts, and the same amount of walks, all in 16 fewer games than Howard. Ryan Howard leads all major league first basemen with 14 errors; Pujols has 5. The Phillies are in baseball's worst division, and are 1 game over .500-the Cardinals are 10 games over. My vote to Pujols.

[MJHMarc]

I have to agree with, legend, on this matter. Even though Pujols was injured earlier this year, he seems to be a big help to his Cardinals. Ryan Howard also helps his Phillies but he hasn't led them to the Playoffs, yet. Plus, I would like to see some more good years out of Howard, because we never know if he could turn out to be an Adrian Beltre-type.

[paulguenther]

Howard will lead the Phills to the payoffs this year..his ceond full season. DO I really believe that? Maybe...I'm a Phillies fan.

[MJHMarc]

I am glad that you have faith in your Phillies. I am a favor both the Mets and the Dodgers, but I remain almost neutral since I can't really complain about any of the teams. The Phillies have some great players in their line-up and I am surprised that they aren't a big threat in the Playoff picture. If the Phillies do match-up against the Mets, I am sure that Pat Burrell will get the win. I know he isn't a pitcher, but he always smashed the Mets and has earns himself the wins for his giant contributions at the plate.

[EmpireWF]

If the Phillies end up the wild card, they'd play the Central or West winner with the best record. Their pitching is getting somewhat hot at the right time, along with guys like Howard and Utley.

[MJHMarc]

They have a good chance beating my Dodgers, since they are a strong team with Ryan Howard as their anchor. Their chances of surpassing the Cardinals seems dim because I think that Albert Pujols can chew them up and spit them up. I hope that Jim Edmonds returns from his post-concussion syndrome. Preston Wilson isn't a bad back-up, though!

[ThePundit]

Even if Howard doesn't lead the Phillies to the playoffs, he's the MVP. He's goanna break Maris WITHOUT being on steroids.

[MJHMarc]

Do you think he continues to hit 30+ homeruns a season for the rest of his career, he would be able to break Hank Aaron's/Barry Bonds' homerun record?