Powerful Howard in select company

MILWAUKEE -- Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder both play first base, so it stands to reason a couple young and talented power-hitting first basemen occasionally chat at the bag.

"Do we Chuck Taylor over there?" Howard said.

Uh, Chuck Taylor?

"Converse," he replied.

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

Yes, Howard and Fielder talk, but not necessarily about their race for the Major League RBI title. Howard and Fielder enter Friday's game at Miller Park tied for the big league lead with 132. Howard picked up two RBIs in Thursday's 9-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, while Fielder picked up one (with the help of a Howard error) to share the lead.

But while Howard inadvertently gave one back to Fielder, catcher Paul Bako took one away with a violent collision at the plate in the sixth inning, when Corey Hart tried to score on a Fielder double. Shane Victorino made a great throw to Chase Utley, who made a great throw to Bako, who held onto the ball as Hart speared him in his left shoulder.

"Bring that up to Howie, please," Bako joked. "And if he wins by one, make sure he knows."

He knows.

"It was a big play by Bak," Howard said.

It has been just another season of big numbers for Howard. He is hitting .271 with 42 home runs and 132 RBIs. It is his fourth consecutive season with 40 home runs and 130 RBIs. Only Babe Ruth (seven years, 1926-32), Ken Griffey Jr. (four years, 1996-99) and Sammy Sosa (four years, 1998-2001) have accomplished the feat. Howard and Sosa hold the National League record with four consecutive 130-RBI seasons.

"That's cool," Howard said. "That's good company to be a part of. That's doing something. It's a pleasure to be a part of that."

And Howard, who is hitting .302 with 16 homers and 53 RBIs in 45 games since Aug. 7, still has 10 games to play.

"I'm still trying to get things going," Howard said. "You'll have good and bad days. Sometimes you'll get two or three hits. Sometimes you'll get one. I'm just trying to make them count right now, you know?"