Phillies manager: Ryan Howard is probably not in the future

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard passed our cameras in Clearwater, Florida on Monday, saying, "I'm good. Baseball is among us."

And baseball is certainly among us and so is Howard, but for how much longer?

The longest tenured Phillie could be walking onto the fields in Clearwater for the final time.

The Phils can walk away from his $125-million contract at the end of the season.

"Let's just say Ryan Howard is probably not in the future, whether that's a year or two or three from now. Ryan might have a big year this year and get another contract, for all I know. I'd like to see that happen because if that happens, we're going to be a much better team," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said.

"It would help if Ryan Howard had a great year, to be a leader on the team, and be in that four hole all year, that would help us immensely," former Phillie Mike Schmidt said.

For the Big Piece to play a big role on this team he needs to hit left-handed pitching.

If not, Howard will platoon with Darin Ruf at first base.

Last season, Howard hit .130 against lefties and that's not going to cut it this season.

"If he plays well and hits well, he's going to play every day. It's up to him. He's going to determine whether or not that happens," Mackanin said.

Howard will field questions from the media on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, his friend and former teammate Jimmy Rollins signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox.