Still . . .
"It sucks," he continued. "And I know how it looks to everybody, like having the season come down and you're that guy."
No baseball player in the past 4 decades of postseason baseball has had the misfortune of being that guy. None, that is, besides Howard. The website Baseball-Reference.com has a database that features complete play-by-play data for every postseason game since 1973. According to that data, Howard is the first player to stride to the plate in two straight postseasons with an opportunity to tie the game and instead see the series end on his watch.
Still . . .
"I try to look at it positive like, the last two seasons I got out, I figure I'm about due," he said. "I'd love to be in that situation again."
Whether he does or does not, Howard is convinced he won't be limited by his health. Yesterday, the first baseman showed no sign of doubt about his recovery from the ruptured Achilles' tendon he suffered after grounding out to end Game 5 of the National League Division Series. To be clear, he still hasn't reached a point where he can even contemplate a return. While Howard is considered to be ahead of schedule, he knows that the light jogging and fielding work he has been doing is a far cry from the explosive movements required out of a major league hitter and fielder. Yesterday's opportunity to participate in batting practice for the first time since his October surgery was more a taste of what lies ahead than it was an indication of his impending return.
