CLEARWATER, Fla. - If you did not know any better and you had the ability to narrow your peripheral vision to the batting cage inside Bright House Field Monday morning, you could have mistaken the scene that unfolded as being a flashback to the good old days.
There was Ryan Howard at home plate, back at work and taking his first batting practice swings of spring training. There was Charlie Manuel, arms crossed as he perched behind the cage and watched his most treasured slugger.
Pan back and there was the cluster of cameras still focused on the team's highest paid player, the former National League MVP who helped the Phillies win the 2008 World Series and two National League pennants.