Phillies manager on Howard: 'He doesn't act like he has a chip on his shoulder'

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard isn't allowing a fractured relationship with his general manager to get in the way of preparing for his season. 

Despite being the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, during which GM Ruben Amaro Jr. claimed the team was better off without him (which eventually resulted in an apology), Howard has showed up to spring training and acted professional.

"He doesn't act like he has a chip on his shoulder," manager Ryne Sandberg told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. "He acts like he's a teammate here and he's a veteran guy helping the young players. 

"I like the attitude and the fact that he's getting after it and doing extra work with Charlie (Manuel), but with (Larry) Bowa in the mornings and sometimes afterwards on the defensive side of things. That'll go a long way with getting the most out of Ryno, really getting back to the ability and where he needs to be on the field."

Howard has spent his entire 11-year career with the Phillies and has $50 million remaining on his contract over the next two years, which also includes a $23-million team option that holds a $10-million buyout. 

The 35-year-old managed 23 home runs and 95 RBIs in 153 games last season but slashed .223/.310/.380 with 190 strikeouts.