List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 25
47. Ryan Howard
Since he signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Howard has produced match winning performances. However, his case has been very confusing over the last few years. On one hand, the first baseman continued his impressive form in 2011 as he
topped 30 home-runs with 100 RBI’s for the sixth straight season.
On the other hand, he hit a poor .253 batting average and .488 SLG. It will not be wrong to say that he has reached his age, where these downtrends can be predicted pretty easily.
Howard's defence has not been as good as his batting over the years. His career -20.1 Fld and -28.7 base-running is something he will be looking to change immediately if given a chance.
It seems as if he is not going to get any better in the future since he is not as healthy and athletic as he was used to be. He will be looking to give a solid performance in the 2012 season before he calls it a career. Howard understands his role in the
team and is working hard to improve his form before the start of the 2012 MLB regular season.
“I've never seen anyone in the major leagues who is treating the game almost like an oversized kid in the Little League World Series. Ryan actually is transcending the game. People are making him out to be America's hitter, the 'Mr. Clean' of home run hitting.
Right at this moment in time, he might be more dangerous than Barry Bonds ever was in his prime,” said Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt.
48. James Shields
James Shields had a poor 2010 MLB regular season. While David Price and Jeremy Hellickson made headlines, Shields failed to live up to expectations. Finding his form just at the right time, the starter made sure people were talking about him by the end of
2011 season.
Showing great determination, fighting abilities and mental strength, he finished in the top five in the American League. Leading Major League Baseball with 11 CG, he earned an impressive 2.82 ERA with 225 K, 16 W and 1.04 WHIP in 249.1 innings.
It was an amazing comeback from the veteran considering his forgettable pitching form in the previous season. Following his consistent performances, he finished third in the American League Cy Young vote.
Shields is a reliable and durable player since he has topped 200 innings each year since 2007. The key to his success has been limiting free passes as his career BB/9 is an astonishing 2.10. A year ago, it appeared as if his best days with the Tampa Bay
Rays was behind him but it is now pretty clear that he has a purpose to serve in the Rays’ side.
Shields will be looking to make the most of available opportunities while he is with the Tampa Bay Rays. Still only 30-years-old, the right hander has a lot of baseball left in him. If he can bring more consistency into his game play, he can change the course
of his career and become a very positive influence in the team.
Continued in Part 26
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: