Why Ryan Howard may be a good fit in Baltimore

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

When Chris Rose said yesterday on MLB Network’s Intentional Talk that Ryan Howard might find himself on the Baltimore Orioles’ roster in 2015, I was taken back. I thought, “What would the Orioles do with him?” However, once I took a step back and evaluated Howard as a player, I realized he may be a good fit to this 2015 Orioles team.

Howard is a career .265/.355/.526 hitter over 11 major league seasons. Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round of the 2001 amateur draft, Howard has spent his entire career in Philly.

Howard, who turned 35 in November, has 334 career home runs and 1,058 career RBI.

The three-time All-Star once led the Majors in home runs and RBI in 2006 and 2008. However, the only statistic he led the majors in last season was strikeouts with 190.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette has made it known the Orioles need another left-handed hitter in the lineup. While Howard’s bat speed and power is not what it used to be 4-5 years ago, Camden Yards is one of the top ballparks for left-handed home runs in the major leagues. Sure people might say his home run numbers would be superficial in Baltimore, but, superficial or not, those home runs in Camden Yards will count the same on the scoreboard as in any other major league ballpark.

Defensively, Howard only plays first base. Although he has never won any hardware for his defensive play, his numbers are impressive. His career .991 fielding percentage makes him a reliable first baseman.

At the moment, the first baseman gig is basically locked up by Chris Davis. If the Orioles were to trade for the 2006 NL MVP, he could be the team’s designated hitter with an occasional start at first base every couple of games.

Financially speaking, how much would it cost the Orioles to get Howard? And would it be worth trading away someone for an older first baseman whose best seasons are behind him?

Baltimore might be able to make out by trading for Howard. The Phillies need another starting pitcher. The Orioles may get away with trading Ubaldo Jimenez for Howard straight up. Jimenez has three years and $37.5 remaining on his contract. And after his 2014 performance, the Orioles would be glad to part ways with Jimenez.

Howard’s experience and leadership would be welcomed in Baltimore after losing two big leaders in Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis. And who knows, Howard may have one big season at the plate left in him, making “Big Piece” a big piece to the 2015 Baltimore Orioles.