Ryan Howard: Philadelphia Phillies' Defensive Gem

The Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard has turned into a great defensive first baseman.

Yes, I did say that, but I am not delusional.

I do realize that he has led first baseman in errors for the past three seasons, and I also remember when everyone said that Ryan Howard is an amazing hitter, but a defensive liability.

But those people are not saying much anymore.

In an amazing turnaround, Howard has committed only one error this season through 70 games— good for a .999 fielding percentage.

His career fielding percentage is .991, which ranks him 21st among active first basemen. According to Baseball Reference, .991 is the lowest fielding percentage by any active first baseman who's played at least 500 games at the position.

So why is this year's percentage so much better?

Well, maybe nothing dramatic has happened—maybe Howard is simply maturing into an all-around ballplayer.

Many people blamed Howard's poor fielding on a lack of concentration rather than a lack of ability. He has always been capable of making those plays—he simply wasn't making them.

Now, at 31-years old, perhaps he has found the intangible skill of concentration.

Of course, there must have been some practice as well.

Many sources, including Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. himself, have testified to Howard's work ethic.

Howard has not only dedicated himself to practicing his fielding, but he has also been in amazing physical shape for the past few years now. This combination has allowed Howard to be more mobile and agile.

He has turned that mobility into an outstanding tool at first base and definitely does not look like liability this year.