Ryan Howard
What do you think would be a more fulfilling feeling: winning your first World Series or winning a second one? John McStravick, LOS ANGELES
I would have to say winning the first one. It's your first World Series championship. You can't win two without winning the first one.
How do you feel about the comparisons of you to Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Willie Stargell? George Travlos HAVERTOWN, PA.
It's funny, because my college coach used to always make that same comparison. He used to call me Willie McCovey, Willie Stargell. So it was definitely funny when I got into professional baseball. It's an honor to be mentioned in a category with a guy like that.
Do you feel that the controversy surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs by baseball superstars like Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez diminishes the credibility of all players? Matthew Thacker BOWLING GREEN, OHIO
I don't think it diminishes the credibility of all players. I think it definitely puts a cloud over everything. For the guys that haven't done anything and don't need to use anything, it's tough because we have to answer those questions and there is that cloud that does hang over us. I've always been that guy who never used steroids, never believed in it. It just felt like that's not me going out there and playing the game.
Given the economic downturn, do you feel that baseball salaries are unreasonable? Alan Lantz, BELLA VISTA, ARK.
I don't really think so. I think it's just like anybody else who would go out there and get what they feel that they've earned. If teams are going to pay it, then why not?
Who were your heroes and role models as you were growing up in St. Louis, Mo.? Leon Chen, HERNDON, VA.
My baseball heroes were Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds and Tony Gwynn. I loved the way they carried themselves. They carried themselves with a swagger, but they weren't cocky. And just the way that they went out and they played the game was absolutely awesome. And my role models were definitely my family: my parents, my older brother and sister and my twin brother.
Besides the Phillies' home field, Citizens Bank Park, in which park do you enjoy playing the most? John Wargo, MANAYUNK, PA.
I would have to say St. Louis, just because it's going home. It's always good to go home and play in front of your family and friends.
Do you wish you were a St. Louis Cardinal? Dennis Cross, DIXON, ILL.
You know what? I think that everybody wants to play for their hometown team. If that were to happen someday, then that would be great. But right now I'm happy where I am. I'm happy to be a Philadelphia Phillie.
Do you prefer hoagies or cheesesteaks? What's your favorite place? Marv Wigder, WHEATON, ILL.
I would have to say cheesesteaks. And I'd probably say Pat's.
Which pitcher do you dread facing the most? Yusef Isis, MELBOURNE, FLA.
Man, I've struggled against Darren Oliver and Oliver Perez. I think anybody with the name Oliver right now. They're both great pitchers. Oliver Perez is tough on lefties because he'll switch up his angles; he changes up speeds very well, throws a slider and a big curveball. And Darren Oliver's got a nice little cutter that kind of keeps you off balance a little bit.