Spencer Howard has all you want in a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball.
His stuff is flat-out electric. He just needs to harness it. There’s a reason he was the top prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
Howard had to earn it this spring, which was obviously shortened due to the lockout. He had competitors such as AJ Alexy, Glenn Otto, Kolby Allard and others. I had Kolby Allard locking down the fifth spot.
Wrong.
Howard, among the group mentioned, has the best stuff. When he’s on, he is flat-out filthy.
From what I understand, the Phillies were trying to make Howard into something he’s not. They weren’t willing to let Howard be Howard.
Different story here in Texas.
Spencer Howard has mentioned that he is already in lock-step with the Rangers pitching coaches. They want him to get on the bump and be comfortable – be himself.
The Rangers are not aiming at 2022 to be a year to compete for the playoffs. The year is 2023.
If Howard pitches like he is capable of, he can help springboard the rotation going into the future. He can be the guy that leads a rotation into the future – guys like Jack Leiter, Cole Winn, etc.
And don’t forget about Dane Dunning and Taylor Hearn. In my mind, Hearn is about to have a breakout year.
Stay tuned.
CJ Berryman is the co-host of the Ranger Report Podcast here on Dallas Sports Nation.
