There is nothing quite as soothing to a psyche battered by one of the worst winters on record than the sound of Ryan Howard crushing a baseball.
Of course, this year that has even more meaning. Simply put, this Phillies season is likely to rise or fall on Howard's shoulders.
After missing big chunks of the last two seasons, the slugger looks healthy and yesterday he made it official by crushing a pitch over the centerfield wall in the Phils' first intrasquad game of the spring. And, it should be noted, it came off a left-handed pitcher. His critics are always quick to point out Howard's failings against southpaws.
Grapefruit League play officially gets underway today.
For his part, Howard is downplaying yesterday's events. He's calling it just part of his spring preparations.
To a heart battered by the winter of our discontent, he provided hope that spring eventually will come, despite this morning's rush hour snow.
Let's call it Ryan's Hope.
Dennis Deitch has all the details on Howard's day.
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