CLEARWATER, Fla. - This spring, Ryan Howard said, is about fun. "Smiling again," he said Thursday, soon after he doubled and homered against a lefthanded pitcher.
Fun, because there is no such thing as a platoon in the Grapefruit League. When the season starts April 4, Howard is likely to split time at first base with Darin Ruf. A few at bats in the spring will not change that, but Howard is unequivocal in his belief that he can still hit lefties.
He is happy to have the chance, for now. This spring, he is 3 for 6 with two doubles, a home run and one strikeout against lefthanded pitching.