November 3, 2008 Ruben Amaro Jr. has signed a three-year deal to become the Phillies' new GM, replacing Pat Gillick, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:Amaro worked under former GM Ed Wade for seven seasons and the last three with Gillick. He was considered the front-runner for the job after Gillick said this would be his last season. Amaro's father was a shortstop with the Phillies from 1960-1965, and Amaro served as a batboy with the club in 1980.
October 26, 2008 Ryan Howard broke out of a playoff slump in Game 4 of the World Series. The big man slugged two home runs and finished with five RBI and three runs scored in Philadelphia's 10-2 win over Tampa Bay.
Our View:It was only a matter of time before one of the game's top sluggers broke out. If he stays hot, the Phillies will be nearly impossible to stop.
October 24, 2008 Count Ryan Howard as one who believes that it's only a matter of time before he and his teammates turn around their slumping ways at the plate, according to the Phillies Official Website. "For us, we're not going to panic. We know now that if we get into those types of situations, we'll try to take advantage of them."
Our View:We wish we could share his optimism. The Phillies are 1-for-28 with RISP in two World Series games and hitters all up and down the order are slumping. Still, the Phillies are tied one game apiece with the Rays despite the struggles, so you have to like their chances if the big fellas can get it going.
October 22, 2008 Ryan Howard's frustrating 2008 playoffs continued in Game 1 of the World Series. Howard was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. The first baseman also stranded four runners. The silver lining is the Phillies still won Game 1.
Our View:Howard is 8-for-38 in the 2008 playoffs and has not hit a home run.
October 15, 2008 Ryan Howard finally came through as he produced three hits in four trips to the plate on Wednesday night in the Phillies series clinching victory over the Dodgers to move on to the World Series.
Our View:Howard only has three RBI and a .258 average through nine games which only heightens the props that should be given to his teammates as Howard has been a virtual black hole of offense in these playoffs.
