Link to the quote I just referenced. http://www.hardballtimes.com/extending-ryan-howard-is-not-what-killed-the-phillies/

This: "The Phillies’ total career WAR among all drafted players from 2004 through 2014 is only 27.8 compared to a league average of 100.0. This is not just league-worst, it is less than half of the second-worst Blue Jays at 60.5."

clout: Don't think I didn't spot that recycled Mookie of the Year joke. There's Mookie of the Year, and then there's Gookie of the Year. http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?P=gookie-dawkins

And what's the verdict on Cord Phelps, as youngish at 27, and appears to take walks. http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=phelps001rob

Now that Ruf's back, it's time to begin the phase out, and the only thing holding the Phils back from an outright release is holding out hope that some team will become desperate enough to add Howard and maybe take on 5% of what's owed on the contract. Power doesn't grow on trees, but we're talking about a sub-replacement first baseman and his only useful tool - power - is nearly depleted. First base, which has been accounted for for more than a decade with Thome and Howard - is the one spot where the Phils could try to be creative in the way lots of other teams have found success on the cheap in the post PED era. Brandon Moss the most recent example and one discussed most here. In Ruf, you basically hope he becomes what Lucas Duda became for the Mets. You think about all the chances Howard had this season with runners on base. If he was even an average player in the mold of a Duda, how many RBIs would he have now? I'm eager to see how this plays out. If you cut the cord with Howard, first base is your best chance to move the needle offensively. But man ... 60 million remaining. This player and deal have brought down the entire house.

Just don't understand why the Phillies insist on making Mayberry at first a thing.