Howard biggest 'Piece' in Phils' puzzle

PHILADELPHIA -- Manager Charlie Manuel calls Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard the Big Piece, which is a nickname that truly needs little explanation.

Howard is the force in the middle of the Phils' lineup. He is the run producer.

Phillies at a glance 2009 record: 93-69 2008 record: 92-70 NL East champs NLCS matchup: Phillies at Dodgers Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Madson: Back in business • Werth: Heart of the order • Rollins: Awaiting breakout • Focus: One game at a time • Manuel: Mix & match • Howard: Ready for lefties • Stairs: Shot reverberates • Manuel: New rules for 'pen • Blanton: Arm around team • Pedro: Return to spotlight • Ibanez: Eyes on prize • Rollins: '07 irrelevant • Lidge: Still an option • Lidge: Killer cutter • Roster: Mulling options • Ibanez: Perfect fit • Hamels: Path of the pros • Amaro: Bold decisions • Pedro: Elated to play part • Rollins: No more predictions • Hamels: Back in business • Pitching: Staff in flux • Manuel: Keeps 'em focused • Hamels: Aims for dominance • Lineup: Imperfect but solid • Lee: Ready for playoff debut • Howard: The evolution • Rollins: Excelling on defense • Rotation: Not just big two • Manuel: Steady as she goes • Rollins: Eyes on '09 drama • Howard: The 'Big Piece' • Lee: Lifting Phils' hopes More Phillies coverage • Howard ties Gehrig's postseason RBI record Bats, Lee team up for rout in Game 3 Howard's RBI streak sets playoff mark Postseason going brilliant-Lee for lefty Blanton seeks return to clutch form Upbeat Moyer happy to rejoin club Phils rounding into title form Manuel committed to Lidge Cold temperatures will be a challenge Pedro brilliant, but Phils falter late in Game 2 Pedro masterful in return to big stage Utley at center of defensive struggles Phillies turn to Lee for Game 3 Phillies warmed by return to chilly home Bullpen woes return in Game 2 loss Bodley: Utley error opens door Phillies' power capitalizes on free passes Mix-and-match relief works vs. LA Phils edge Rockies for 2-1 NLDS lead Lidge finds redemption in crucial spot Umps admit missing call on Utley hit Given extra day, Phils to go with Happ Phillies glad to see Game 3 postponed Extra off-day alters clubs' options Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Myers feeling good after playoff outing Hamels to rejoin Phillies after birth of son Moyer in hospital with blood infection Phils rally, but must settle for split Clubs trade places for Game 3 Pedro, Blanton, Happ up for Game 3 nod Chilly reception awaits in Denver It's not sunny in Philadelphia for Hamels Hamels leaves to be with wife in labor Kalas still a presence in Phils' house Utley battling past late-season struggles Phillies, Rockies fill familiar roles Lee masterful in opening victory Phillies show patience, break through Running shoes put to good use Wind makes for wild afternoon Hamels unhappy with starting times Phils will use all bullpen options Avenging '07 not on Phils' minds Reserves shine in regular-season finale With loss, Phils plan ahead for NLDS Phils remain one back for home-field Phils fall game back for best record Phils clinch third straight NL East crown Eyeing historic postseason run NLDS opponent to be determined Phils power way closer to clinch Moyer exits game with left groin strain Manuel talks to Phils behind closed doors Phils hold on, lower magic number to 3 Walk-off slows Phils in Milwaukee Two mistakes cost Lee, Phillies dearly Pedro scratched, Kendrick to start Happ strong as Phillies pound Brewers After twin-bill split with Fish, Phils focus on finale Phils wait out rain, win finale over Braves Phils have hard road to repeat glory Manuel wants Phillies to turn it up a notch Finishing strong motivates Phillies Kendrick shines in first start Lidge endures roller-coaster week

Philadelphia certainly has other talented run producers. Chase Utley is on pace for 35 home runs and 102 RBIs, Raul Ibanez is on pace for 35 homers and 98 RBIs and Jayson Werth is on pace for 38 homers and 96 RBIs. But Howard is on pace for 43 homers and 135 RBIs, numbers he has been putting up for years.

Howard is the fastest player in baseball history to hit 200 home runs and the fastest to reach 600 RBIs since Ted Williams in 1946.

"That's why I call him the Big Piece," Manuel said.

Others just marvel at his power. Howard hit two home runs in a 6-2 victory over the Mets at Citi Field on Aug. 24: a three-run homer to left field in the first inning and a two-run homer to right field in the third.

The three-run homer could not have been more impressive. He kept his hands in and simply muscled the ball to left field. Or as Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez said to Ron Darling as he watched the replay on SNY: "This is an inside-out, Ronny! He inside-outed this ball and hit it out in this ballpark. That's impressive."

Howard crushed the two-run homer in the third over the Subway sign in right. Or as Hernandez said: "He turns on this one and he knew he got it. Inside-out to the opposite field, the exact opposite here."

Howard has had four consecutive 30-home run/100-RBI seasons to join Hall of Fame outfielder Chuck Klein as the only players in franchise history to accomplish the feat. (Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt has a franchise-record nine 30-homer/100-RBI seasons, but never in more than two consecutive years.)

Since becoming an everyday player July 1, 2005, Howard leads the Majors in home runs (212) and RBIs (610) entering Wednesday.

The next closest is Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, who has 186 homers and 535 RBIs.

But Howard also seems to play his best when it matters most. He enters Wednesday's game against the Nationals hitting .307 (42-for-137) with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs in his past 35 games. He entered the season a career .313 hitter with 43 homers and 104 RBIs in September, his best marks in any month.

The Phillies will be counting on him again in October. He hit .300 with two RBIs in last year's National League Championship Series against the Dodgers, and .286 with three homers and six RBIs in the World Series against the Rays.