i thought it was an interesting move. it gives howard some protection, but we'll definitely see a dip in his Ribbies without a .300 hitter in front of him. i think if i were Uncle Cholly, i would have waited to make the move until we started to see the walks get ridiculous. we'll see how it goes tomorrow night.
I have mixed feelings on this. With Rollins and Victorino at the top of the lineup, the Phils don't have to depend on the long ball for runs. Those guys can steal bases and score on singles. Utley is a better contact hitter than Howard, so you've got a 1-3 that should manufacture runs even w/out an extra-base hit. It worries me that the Phils might put the breaks on Victorino and Rollins with Howard at the plate because they don't want to take the chance of getting thrown out when he could put one in the seats anyway.
If the Phils don't fall into the Earl Weaver trap, and keep those guys running early and often, then it's a good move. You can't walk Howard whenever you want now.
Matt has put it perfectly. I'm not sure why you make this move on opening day. i would rather have seen him save it for the stretch. but charlie has to be looking over his shoulder a bit at this point.
Philadelphia Sports Fans
I have mixed feelings on this. With Rollins and Victorino at the top of the lineup, the Phils don't have to depend on the long ball for runs. Those guys can steal bases and score on singles. Utley is a better contact hitter than Howard, so you've got a 1-3 that should manufacture runs even w/out an extra-base hit. It worries me that the Phils might put the breaks on Victorino and Rollins with Howard at the plate because they don't want to take the chance of getting thrown out when he could put one in the seats anyway.
If the Phils don't fall into the Earl Weaver trap, and keep those guys running early and often, then it's a good move. You can't walk Howard whenever you want now.