"You don't want to be a part of that," Howard said about making the final out of the season.
The Phillies said an MRI exam Saturday revealed a ruptured Achilles tendon that will require surgery once swelling reduces near the injury. The team said there is no guarantee he'll be ready for spring training.
Howard could miss anywhere from six to nine months. It could be more; it could be less. The possibility of Howard's starting his five-year, $125 million contract extension on the disabled list is very real. Even if he does return sooner rather than later, a catastrophic injury is no way to commence a lucrative contract.
Howard's injury only complicates what will be a fascinating winter for the Phillies. There are decisions to be made on Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Madson, and Roy Oswalt. Raul Ibanez and Brad Lidge played a combined seven seasons with the Phillies but could be elsewhere in 2012. Cole Hamels is due a long-term extension. An entire bench must be reconstructed. The bullpen is teeming with young promise but could use veteran reassurance.
Come opening day, the Phillies may have different starters at first base, shortstop, third base, and left field than they did in Game 5.
Baseball's oldest team must find a way to get younger, a task that is easier said than done. One day after a depressing defeat in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series a year ago, Amaro promised to prioritize youth. The only position, ultimately, that became younger was right field - split by Ben Francisco, Domonic Brown, and Hunter Pence.
The Phillies have $107 million invested in nine players for 2012. That makes a large-scale retooling of the roster difficult. But there will be moves.
