Howard becomes full-time first baseman

11/23/2005
PHILADELPHIA -- Ryan Howard always had plenty in common with Jim Thome, from his gigantic size and unique batting stance to a strange coincidence that both are twins.
The one troubling similarity for the Phillies was that both played first base, a bad thing for a team in the DH-less National League. Philadelphia simplified that on the day before Thanksgiving, sending Thome to the White Sox for center fielder Aaron Rowand.
Pat Gillick's first trade as Philadelphia's general manager was a doozy and gave the reigning National League Rookie of the Year an early Christmas gift.
"I wouldn't say that," said Howard. "I still have to go out and play, and do well. If not, it won't be a very good trade [for the Phillies]."
It was a necessary trade for the Phillies, who identified center field as one of their need areas heading to the Winter Meetings. Rowand carries a reputation as one of the finest defensive outfielders in the American League, second to Gold Glover Torii Hunter.
It was a necessary trade for Thome, who should thrive again in a midwestern city near his home in Peoria, Ill., assuming he's healthy. He'll leave behind the 89 homers he hit for the Phillies in three seasons and the demanding fans who booed him during a rough, injury-filled 2005 in which he appeared in only 59 games.
It was an especially necessary trade for Howard, who enters Spring Training with a starting job that he earned since taking over full-time for Thome in August and bashing 22 homers in 312 at-bats. The fans took to him almost immediately, as he helped keep the Phillies close through a tense September playoff chase.
"He did some unbelievable things for our team out of this six hole [in the lineup]," said manager Charlie Manuel. "I don't know where we would have been without him."
The Phillies are counting on him doing more unbelievable things.
Howard's attitude was almost as impressive as his power. Though his preference was for an unobstructed path to the big leagues, he remained affable and resisted the temptation to comment publicly. With every game-winning home run he hit came the persistent question regarding what would happen next season.
He has his answer.
"It's a relief because we don't have to hear about it anymore [from the media]," he said. "You have to pay your dues, and I'm still paying them. I'm trying to get to the level where Thome is at, where I can say I had a long, successful career. I have a long way to go. I wish Thome all the luck in the world. I hope he comes back healthy and has another year like he's always had."
Howard plans to enjoy Thanksgiving as the Phillies' starting first baseman. He'll drive his newly washed car to Baton Rouge, La., to spend the holiday with his oldest brother and his family, and attend the LSU football game over the weekend.
After that?
"Back to work to get ready for the season," he said. "I'm not the only person in baseball that had to go through this situation. I tried to keep it positive and hoped everything takes care of itself."

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/