J.P. Howell is a Changed Man

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 5, 2008 9:19 PM EST

Not the only youngster on the team who could learn a thing from this:

Howell always has been a popular guy among his teammates and coaches. Both California cool and genuinely happy to see everyone every day, he's the kind of guy people like to hang around. And he was always up for hanging out, but that too has changed this spring. He's "staying in, laying low," as he puts it. He wants to be seen as a professional.

Howell apparently has taken more responsibility in his performances and isn't so quick to blame the environment or other factors on his performance. I do make one, somewhat small, request though; please keep the pimp walk.

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Since we lost today

I'm bringing Cocky back.

All season long.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 5, 2008 9:31 PM EST reply actions

R.J.

can you get an interview with Cocky?

by Flabull on Mar 5, 2008 11:21 PM EST up reply actions

Re: R.J.

A fabricated interview with an inanimate rooster statue? I've been waiting to do one of those...

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 6, 2008 5:41 PM EST up reply actions

Re: J.P. Howell is a Changed Man

Gerry Hunsicker was on Mike and the Mad Dog today... here is a link to the interview.

http://podcast.wfan.com/wfan/949173.mp3

by websterjtc on Mar 5, 2008 10:58 PM EST reply actions

Re: J.P. Howell is a Changed Man

Thanks.

He sounds somewhat flustered with Rocco's situation. Not sounding optimistic.

by gerzowitz on Mar 6, 2008 6:57 AM EST up reply actions

Re: J.P. Howell is a Changed Man

right, Hunsicker didn't sound optimistic at all about Rocco

by websterjtc on Mar 6, 2008 8:07 AM EST up reply actions

Re: J.P. Howell is a Changed Man

i will disclose it was a crappy interview.

by websterjtc on Mar 5, 2008 11:10 PM EST reply actions

Re: J.P. Howell is a Changed Man

Having met JP personally and seen him at his cockiest, I would say that he is "bseball player" foremost and a really cool dude who has a lively energy about him when he's not "baseball player".

Unfortunately, the two don't mix.

Occasioanlly a smart ass is actually smart and has a variety of passions like JP and people question his intensity - a lower ERA and more consistency and people will BEG to see the depths of his character.

I'm impressed by his willingness to play along!

If you're not having fun, what are you having? There's already WAAAY too many serious moments in life.

by Manny Stiles on Mar 6, 2008 1:48 AM EST reply actions

Re: J.P. Howell is a Changed Man

Trade Howell, he's not a Major League caliber player. There's just no room for a powder puff guy that 50% of the time can fluster a hitter and 50% of the time get hit harder than any pitcher on Earth.

Trade him for a minor leaguer and quit wasting time with J.P.

JohnM

by J-Miester on Mar 6, 2008 8:54 AM EST reply actions

Re: J.P. Howell is a Changed Man

Next year he's out of options so something will have to give. But there's no reason to give up at this point - give him the year to see if he can contribute somehow. This guy is still young and has been successful in the minors - more so last year than Niemann. He's actually a bit younger than Niemann - should the latter be traded because he hasn't made it yet?

It's best to wait on such guys if you can, make a move if you need to. He's a lefty, and relievers sometimes take until their late 20's to emerge. He'll hold some trade value through next spring - look at Ridgeway after all. Patience when affordable is a good policy. There are other guys on the roster that are more expendable, and OO guys that have to be exposed if they don't make it. No rush here.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Mar 6, 2008 1:08 PM EST up reply actions