It is well known that Ryan Howard is one of the power hitting offensive forces of the past 4 years in the National league. The Phillies have 18 million reasons they like the lefty slugger coming into the 2009 season. But, one thing I touched on a few weeks ago about Ryan Howard:
Every now and then you hear the whispers that Howard is simply just a good platoon hitter.
So, lets take a look at Howard’s track record with the righty lefty splits.
| Name | Year | vs Lefty (AB) | vs Righty (AB) | vs Lefty (HR) | vs Righty (HR) | vs Lefty (AVG) | vs Righty (Avg ) | vs Lefty (SLG) | vs Righty (SLG) |
| Howard | 2008 | 237 | 373 | 14 | 34 | .224 | .268 | .451 | .601 |
| Howard | 2007 | 209 | 320 | 16 | 31 | .225 | .297 | .493 | .644 |
| Howard | 2006 | 197 | 384 | 16 | 42 | .279 | .331 | .558 | .711 |
| Howard | 2005 | 61 | 251 | 1 | 21 | .148 | .323 | .246 | .645 |
So, in the red columns we see Ryan Howard’s production against left handed pitching. In his three full seasons, in the rate categories against lefties he has continued his decline in batting average and slugging. His home run production against righties just about doubles his production against lefties. To be fair, the Phillies are aware of the situation and he has received less at bats against lefties. The question remains though, would the Phillies be better off platooning him at first base.
I am certain they could find a right handed batter who could do better than a .224 batting average against the southpaws. Better yet, in fantasy leagues that allow for daily transactions, would you be better off sitting Howard against lefties.
