In what was already a busy day, full of transactions for the Phillies, John Clark of CSN Philly tweeted this bombshell:

Phils discussing trading Ryan Howard/eating lot of $ or releasing him, according to @JSalisburyCSN, who doesnt envision Ryan back next year — John Clark CSN (@JClarkCSN) July 23, 2014

There may be smoke where there is fire in what is likely informed speculation by both Clark and Salisbury. My PNTV colleague Corey Seidman wrote at CSN Philly today that “enough is enough” with Howard, and I’m not sure there is anyone that would disagree. Howard is due $25 million per year through 2017 and will receive either $23 million in 2018 or a $10 million buy out. For his price tag, Howard has ranked 32nd out of 32 qualified first baseman according to fWAR.

What created this speculation, you ask? Well, it was likely a series of comments made by manager Ryne Sandberg as reported by Salisbury:

Sandberg on sitting Howard: Basically he said he has obligation to try to win. Wants to see what Ruf can do. — Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) July 23, 2014

A takeaway from Ryno’s comments today: He is shopping for a new first sacker. — Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) July 23, 2014

We will certainly keep an eye on this situation. It is worth noting that the recently recalled Darin Ruf is tonight’s starting first baseman.