Ryan Howard on the Phillies’ first half, his favorite hitter, and — of course — the elimination of the shift

SEATTLE — Long before MLB’s rule changes were announced ahead of the 2023 season, Ryan Howard made a prediction to his wife, Krystle.

“At some point, they’re going to get rid of the shift,” he said.

His words proved to be prescient. Seven years after Howard recorded his final at-bat, MLB ruled it illegal for teams to over shift on one side of the diamond. Starting in 2023, two infielders had to be positioned on each side of second base when pitches were thrown.

Howard joked that the change was “a little too late,” and it’s hard to blame him. The longtime Phillies’ first baseman pulled ground balls at a rate of 66.5% during his career. From 2010-2016, he batted .424 without the shift. He batted .282 with it. He slugged .553 without the shift; he slugged .361 with it.

He would’ve enjoyed seeing its demise.

“I think as soon as they announced that they were getting rid of the shift, it was like, ‘Trending: Ryan Howard,’” he said. “I was like ‘Oh well, there you go. That works.’ It’s been good. I think it brings more excitement to the game. More balls in play, more guys on base. Which means more action. So I think it’s been great.”

Howard lives in Atlanta but has been keeping tabs on the Phillies. He’s been excited to see how the team has played of late, especially their recent 13-win streak on the road.

“I think every thing is starting to come together,” he said. “You can see the confidence is growing, especially on the road. Them going in and doing what they’re doing on the road has been fun to watch. Championship teams — you’ve got to win on the road. And I think these guys continue to get that confidence and build up, keep that momentum going…I think if you make that push for October, and get the opportunity to get in there, you’re not afraid to go on the road, because you understand you’ve got to win on the road to be successful.”

“I’m definitely keeping tabs. I mean, it’s funny because the history of the organization, even back when I was playing, was always getting off to slow starts. But the mantra is it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. And I think right now, going into the All Star break, the way the guys have been playing has been good. Getting things to come together and gel a bit. And as you saw last year, what they were able to do when you come together at the right time, great things can happen.”

Howard was in Seattle to play at the celebrity All-Star Game. He made the most of his time here. He says of all the Phillies’ hitters, Nick Castellanos is among his favorites. Castellanos happens to be in town, so they talked for a few minutes before the home run derby.

“Obviously Casty (sticks out to me),” Howard said. “I’ve always loved his swing. I’ve always thought he has that beautiful inside out swing and he’s been getting back into form. He’s doing it. The fun thing is that there’s a different guy every night that steps up. And that’s what important. Having a different guy step up in the big moments.”

» READ MORE: Nick Castellanos an All-Star again with a different mindset: ‘The motivation is a little less selfish’

The Phillies’ two bullpen catchers, Brad Flanders and Hector Rabago, were in Seattle on Monday afternoon. They will take turns catching the home run derby on Monday night. Typically, All-Star managers are allowed to bring one bullpen catcher, but Rob Thomson pulled some strings and brought both.

The gesture meant a lot to them. Thomson told them when the Phillies were in Colorado to play the Rockies.

“It just tells you what kind of man he is,” Flanders said. “He understands everybody’s role in the organization and the staff. He sees us as part of the staff. Even though we’re not in a coaching position, we help out with the catchers, and catch bullpens, and he sees our value. I can’t say enough about him.”