The Philadelphia Phillies worked to move their current first baseman, Ryan Howard, in the winter. However, no trade was made, but there is a decent chance he could be moved this spring.
Howard reported to spring training in good shape. He said that he lost about 15-20 pounds. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said that he was in the best shape "since I have known him."
The Baltimore Orioles have interest in the veteran slugger and will be "keeping an eye" on Howard, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
The Orioles have shuffled their lineup and have multiple players that can play a number of positions. It is currently unclear where Howard would fit. He could see a season split of designated hitter and first base.
It is certain that Philadelphia will have to take most of the money that is owed to the 35-year-old. Eating some cash out of his contract is really the only way to make the trade possible.
The former Missouri State University graduate was drafted in the fifth round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the Phillies. Howard made his debut on September 1, 2004 and never looked back in Philadelphia. The area has become a home away from home.
The left-handed hitter has played in five spring training games and has taken 13 at-bats. He owns a .308 batting average and has four hits and one RBI to this point. Howard has struck out three times.