If Ryan Howard’s power numbers could ever increase against lefties, he could be a legitimate threat to hit 60+ homers in a season. There is a small trend here the last three years against lefties. Here are his home run totals and slugging percentage against lefties since 2007:

2007:   16 homers and .493

2008:   14 homers and .451

2009:     6  homers and .356

The only reason he had any down offensive years recently was his chronic injured wrist, which is what most power hitter’s rely on. There is no mathematical reason to think his production will drop off significantly in 2010 off this stellar year. He has a fantastic compact swing and drives the ball so well to the opposite field. If the Cubs can get some protection for him, bombs away again.

Really finishing up strong after a very difficult first 2 months after battling depression, which doesn’t go away overnight with a pill.  April and May was  a washout with the illness, and if he is mentally healthy next year, he is a cinch for 30+ hr’s and a robust average as well. No question will be a top 1st baseman option in 2010.

I mentioned him a while back, but I think next year Billy Butler gets his PHD in hitting and goes off offensively in 2010. With any sort of protection in lineup he will breakout. He has such a nice short swing and drives the ball the other way so well, which often is a good sign of a good hitter.