Rockies: Ryan Howard gets another chance, could help in October

The Colorado Rockies are on the cusp of receiving their first playoff berth since 2009. With the season dwindling, manager Bud Black is looking at every option to help his team prepare for a Wild Card battle. Former MVP Ryan Howard could be a solid fit for the club.

The last time Ryan Howard was relevant in baseball, he was an All-Star slugger leading the Philadelphia Phillies to the playoffs during the late 2000s.

After officially retiring last season, the towering first baseman is back – new team, new swing, same goals. The Colorado Rockies signed the 37-year-old veteran Saturday, believing he still has some juice in his bat, despite an atrocious showing toward the end of his career.

Howard agreed that he might not be finished yet in delivering clutch hits in big moments. And with more than a month left in the season, he could become an option for Bud Black’s crew by the time October arrives.

A similar situation occurred in 2009 in Colorado with former Yankee Jason Giambi.

He may not have provided the team with his clubhouse antics – golden thong? – but offered a powerful swing off the bench in critical at-bats. Howard could play a similar role, although his approach and swing may have to be altered to make it all work.

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The first baseman attempted a comeback earlier this year by signing with the Braves. But Triple-A pitchers foiled his plans of quickly making his way to the big leagues once again. He owned a paltry .184 average with one home run and 14 strikeouts in 42 plate appearances.

In Albuquerque, the trend has been the same.

Howard has played just three games thus far for the Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate, amassing two hits in 11 at-bats – yes, a small sample size. But looking at how he fared in the majors since 2013, it may just be the norm now.

Prior to 2013, he was always consistent. His average generally sat in the .250-.270 range, while he typically swatted more than 30 home runs and garnered triple-digit RBI per season. The left-handed dinger swinger was also known for his poor plate discipline, averaging more than 150 strikeouts each year.

Howard may not fare well in today’s game, as hitters strike out more often, even though they are hitting more long balls. But if Joey Gallo can do it, any free-swinging hitter has a chance.

Coors Field could help the former National League MVP too. The renowned hitter’s park ranks fourth in terms of home runs, behind Yankee Stadium, Citizens Bank Park and Chase Field. And he’s thrived in the high altitude, posting a career .305/.365/589 slash at the park.

With Carlos Gonzalez and Trevor Story occupying two slots in the everyday lineup, it would be difficult to argue against giving Howard a chance, even if it’s off the bench.

The Rockies haven’t earned a postseason berth since 2009, when Howard’s former team ousted them. But with a playoff spot on the horizon, they need as much experience as possible to help cope with the most important time of the season.

Howard has delivered time and time again in those situations, but maybe Black isn’t convinced by his resume. But if a clutch situation comes up in a game-tying or game-winning situation, who else can come off the bench?

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If Howard can prove his worth in the minors, don’t be surprised to seem him donning a Colorado jersey by the end of next month.