Howard's struggles were easily the most popular question, with readers wanting him benched, optioned, traded or released. I realize the strikeouts and confused pull-happy swings are painful, but the Phillies and manager Charlie Manuel are determined to ride the storm, and hope one of those sustained team-carrying stretches follows. He's been making more solid contact, and the opposite-field home run in San Francisco over the weekend may be an indication that he's trusted his hands more and staying back on the ball longer.

After such a successful 2007 campaign, why have the Phils been tinkering with Kyle Kendrick's repertoire of pitches and has it contributed to his struggles this season?
-- Lisa S., Elkins Park, Pa.

Kendrick's struggles this year are attributable partly to the league making adjustments -- as teams will do. The right-hander also has gravitated more toward trying to strike out opponents rather than induce early contact with his devastating sinker, a direct result of him giving up a few too many hits. Knowing he needs another pitch, he has unveiled a change-up that is still a work in progress. As he becomes less of an unknown, he's going to have to keep varying his pitching his patterns and become less predictable. He's getting there.

Since there's nothing physically wrong with Brett Myers, it seems he's doing poorly because, despite what he says about willingness to do anything to help the team, he doesn't want to be a starter now that he's had a taste of something he likes better. He may not even be aware that he's rebelling against being a starter. What do you think?
-- S. Freud, AKA Charlie D., Chicago

I respectfully disagree with that opinion/analysis. While Myers enjoyed all aspects of closing, he's not unconsciously or consciously sabotaging his season, or the team's, to return to the bullpen. Besides, Brad Lidge has been spectacular this season, so Myers has to know it's not an option. He's a lot of things, but selfish isn't one of those things. Myers wants to figure things out.

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A more interesting question is what happens next season, when Lidge will be among the team's free agents. Do they pursue Lidge and keep Myers in the rotation, or move Myers and seek out a starter? Much depends on the respective seasons each has.

When can we see Jason Donald in the Majors? He sprays the ball all over the field, plays above-average defense, and has hit at every level. The only knock I can see are high strikeouts and not much power. Wouldn't he be a better infield backup than Brad Harman or Eric Bruntlett next year? Has he impressed anyone in the Phillies' organization? What's the word on him?
-- Justin S., Fairfax, Va.

The Phillies like Donald's progress, but are content to see how he fares at Double-A Reading this season, and, possibly, Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2009. Of course, he's capable of changing that opinion. Shortstop is probably his best position, where he's blocked. Third base is an option, though limited power potential may make him a less-than-ideal corner infielder. Harman is viewed more as a utility player, which partially explains why he was summoned from Double-A over Donald to fill in while Jimmy Rollins recovered.

I was watching an interview with Chase Utley, and at the end he said Pat Burrell owns a man purse. From your knowledge of the team, have you seen Burrell strutting around with a nice gator skin man purse?
-- Kyle M., Pitman, N.J.

In seven years of being around Burrell, I have yet to see Burrell with a man purse of any kind, and I don't plan on asking him or Utley about it. That said, Utley ought to know, don't you think?