[vincesanity82]

Ryan Howard admitted yesterday that the strained left thigh he sustained March 1 has affected him ever since, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Right now, my leg and everything like that - I can't get comfortable," Howard said. "It's tough to get it where it feels good." He added that a couple of weeks on the disabled list could help, though there are no plans for such a move right now.

So this isnt good news but explains his poor performance so far?

Newsbreakers - Fantasy Baseball - Fanball.com

[MJHMarc]

I hope he comes back to the plate, and whacks a few homers.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

So this isnt good news but explains his poor performance so far?

Newsbreakers - Fantasy Baseball - Fanball.com

Sounds like an excuse more than anything to me. I'm sure he's far from the only guy out there playing hurt. MVPs suck it up and get the job done no matter what.

[njpsufan]

I agree. You never heard about Mantle or Gibson or even Schmidt whine to the press.

[vincesanity82]

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard will not start until he can be examined by team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti on Friday in Philadelphia. Howard is dealing with a sore left quad. "My quad hasn't been the best," he admitted to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "It's my back leg. It's my leg that I push off of that helps generate that power. When you're off, you're rushing things. You're off balance. Right now, I just can't stay on my back side." Howard will be available to pinch-hit.

Newsbreakers - Fantasy Baseball - Fanball.com

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by njpsufan

I agree. You never heard about Mantle or Gibson or even Schmidt whine to the press.

Mantle was too drunk... ...but yeah, they played through the pain then...Mantle played on wrecked knees for most of his career...as did Gibson...

[MJHMarc]

The true star is one who does not speak.

[njpsufan]

Mantle's knees did not go until later in his career. Gibson was probably one of the greatest athletes that ever played. They guy could have played any position on the field and been an All-Star. Don't believe his body gave out until the 70's though.

[chilltown]

Originally Posted by njpsufan

I agree. You never heard about Mantle or Gibson or even Schmidt whine to the press.

The times have changed in so many ways. The press for Michael Jack Schmidt was a bit more gentle, usually only one microphone in his face at a time. Even back then he had many excuses, some injuries, for his hitting slumps (anyone remember an afro wig from embarassment?) Mantle and Gibson's day had 10 guys with cigars and notepads whose stories were censored. A little bit different today.

Nowadays, players don't even get to pee in private (steroids watchdogs). Ryan Howard has Philly newspapers, sports radio, sports TV, national magazines, and ESPN all trying to scoop each other. So day in and day out the same questions, the same probing. It's okay that he says he's been injured for a while; but if he is, then he should be on the DL.

In Tuesday's game against Arizona, he pinch hit and popped-up in the ninth.

[ThePundit]

There are guys who play hurt and don't say anything. Johnny Damon is one. There must be others, also.

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

There are guys who play hurt and don't say anything. Johnny Damon is one. There must be others, also.

yea but did johnny damon hit 58 hr and 149 rbi's last year..

[chilltown]

grand slam pinch hit?

stay off the DL...

play hurt!

[MJHMarc]

Originally Posted by chilltown

grand slam pinch hit?

stay off the DL...

play hurt!

Oh, geez.

That was incredible. His uppercut swing sent that ball to Hawaii.

Wasn't that his 4th career grand slam in only 3 seasons?

[Phils20]

Indeed it was. He will get out of this funk! I juast hope the Phils are not dead and buried by then! With their pitching, they need all the help scoring they can get!

[MJHMarc]

Originally Posted by Phils20

Indeed it was. He will get out of this funk! I juast hope the Phils are not dead and buried by then! With their pitching, they need all the help scoring they can get!

Same concept applies to the Yankees of the AL EAST.