Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has an impressive resume, but he's looking to elevate his game even further this season. He's moved closer to the plate his spring. "Right now, I like where he's standing in the [batter's] box," manager Charlie Manuel said. "That's all we talk about when we talk about his hitting. Ever since I first met him, I've talked to him about standing closer to the plate and, at times, he has, but he's never stuck with it. Right now, he's probably standing the closest he ever stood. He's got good plate coverage, and he's cutting down the area the guy can throw the ball in. "By cutting down the area the pitcher can throw the ball in, you're also cutting down the area for mistakes like chasing bad [pitches]. I like exactly where he's standing right now." His movement is designed to make him comfortable on both sides of the plate. "I'm just trying to find a spot where I can feel comfortable covering both sides of the plate," Howard said. "I want to be in a place where I don't tie myself up on an inside pitch, but I can still get my arms extended to reach the outside part of the plate. I've always been pretty far off the plate to make sure my arms were extended. There's an adjustment in my vision and depth perception because of where you are in your stance and where your head is."