Ryan Howard: Is The Slow Start Something To Worry About?

Going into his fourth season, Ryan Howard knew how rough slow starts could be.

In 2005, Howard was up for a brief stint in May and was recalled in the beginning of July for the rest of the season.

Howard struggled at first, failing to reach the .270 mark until his 35th game of the season, but he turned things around and hit .288 with 22 dingers in only 312 at-bats.

In 2006, Howard started the season right where he left off in 2005, on the way to one of the most remarkable seasons a young player could ask for.

As a third-year player, Howard hit 58 home runs, drove in 149 runs, posted a .313 average, but struck out 181 times in 581 at-bats. This magnificent season was the only season that Howard did not enter with a cold bat. 

Last season Howard did not raise his batting average over .250 until June 22, 73 games into the season.

Howard's highest average of the season was .279 and by the end of September, the average dropped to .268. Howard struck out 199 times in 2007, but hit 47 home runs in 529 at-bats. 

Should Phillies fans be concerned that their former Rookie of the Year and MVP first baseman is off to the worst start of his young career?

Through the first 26 games of the 2008 season, Howard is hitting an abysmal .174 with 37 strikeouts. Of his 16 hits, five are home runs.

Yes, Howard has struck out more than twice as many times as he has reached base on a hit.

In fact, Howard has only reached base 33 times.

His 17 walks added to his 16 hits creates a sum that is still less than his strikeout total. Sure, the fact that Howard has walked 17 times proves that he must be seeing the ball somewhat well.

If this is so, how can his .174 batting average be explained?

Howard is definitely a talented, young ballplayer. He has shown signs of excellence in his career, but his low early season averages leave a lot for Howard to prove.

As for whether or not Phillies fans should worry about Howard's slow start, wait another month before you panic.

If Howard is still hitting under .250 with twice as many strikeouts as hits, Phillies fans should be concerned. However, don't be surprised if Howard figures out what is wrong with his swing and performs up to his ability.