Ryan Howard talks 2025 Phillies on Opening Day
Former Phillies World Series champion, NL MVP, and three-time All-Star Ryan Howard joined Hugh Douglas and Joe Giglio to discuss the 2025 Phillies on Opening Day.
"I think it's going to be an exciting, somewhat stressful division this year," Howard said. "The division definitely gets a little more interesting. The Phillies just need to focus on being themselves and playing their game and I think by doing that they'll be good. As long as they can stay healthy and just go out there and do their thing, I think they'll be alright."
Howard was asked about the big Spring Training topic of who will leadoff this season, as Rob Thomson has kicked around the unorthodox idea of flip-flopping Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber atop the lineup based on the opponent's starting pitcher.
"As long as they know," Howard said on Thursday's 94WIP Midday Show. "If Rob has that conversation with them and says, 'Hey this is what we're going to look to do,' then mentally those guys are already prepared."
The Big Piece also talked about Bryce Harper's seamless transition from the outfield to first base.
"I think Bryce has done an amazing job, he's just a pure athlete," Howard said. "I mean it's not easy to make that transition and go over there and go play first base. His footwork has gotten a lot better, his glove work has always been there. His confidence over there has been great. So I think him playing first, potentially the remainder of his career, is going to be a great move to help kind of save him and save his body from a lot of additional wear and tear."
