In about a month, when Ryan Howard reports to Clearwater for his final spring training with the Phillies, another in a long series of uncomfortable conversations awaits him. If he wants to play, manager Pete Mackanin will tell Howard, he will have to hit better. Forget Howard's special place in franchise history and the fact that he will represent one-fourth of the entire Phillies payroll in 2016.
At least that is what Mackanin promised Tuesday as he addressed reporters at Citizens Bank Park.
Awkward, right?
"You bet," Mackanin said. "It's going to be a difficult situation.