The question concerned Ryan Howards 0-for-4, three-strikeout showing in Wednesday nights World Series Game 1, and his weak postseason in general. Charlie Manuel sensed bad intentions.I said something about it [Wednesday] night. Take him for granted and start throwing to him. See what happens, a feisty Manuel said yesterday before Game 2 at Tropicana Field. Hes had [] RBIs. Forty-eight home runs. Check his batting averages and his run production from the seventh inning on, or late in the game, and see what you come up with.Manuel was right; I did have bad intentions in asking the questions. But any implication on Manuels part about Howards late-game prowess proved dead wrong. I already knew that after researching my National League Most Valuable Player ballot.During the 2008 regular season, when Howard came to bat in late and close situations - plate appearances in the seventh inning or later with the batting team tied or ahead by one, or with the tying run at least on deck, according to baseball-reference.com - he tallied a .306 on-base percentage and .337 slugging percentage. A .643 OPShttp://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/newsstand/discussion/newsday_davidoff_howards_numbers_in_clutch_are_not_so_valuable/