Q&A with Ryan Howard

The Big Piece talks about the 2011 season, being slowed by an ankle injury last year and the final pitch of the 2010 NLCS.

Have you looked back at the video of Brian Wilson striking you out looking?

You have to turn the page and that’s what I’m doing. There’s no need to look back at that. It was a tough way to end the season.

So many have focused on your numbers being down last season. But, you were near the top when you got hurt in August.

Exactly. Everybody says, ‘Howard’s power numbers were down.’ Well, Howard was hurt. I had some timing issues when I came back, but I don’t want to make any excuses.

Ryan Madson said that you started working out in mid-November. True?

I was doing stuff for my ankle and the rest of my body. I was getting my body back into position and it worked out. I feel really good right now. I also feel really good about this season.

Do you think pitchers will pitch around you more this season since you’ll have less protection?

I’m used to pitchers pitching around me. I’m just going to do my best. I always manage to do my job by driving in some runs and I expect to do the same this season.