Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said Wednesday that Ryan Howard will start at first base this season, despite plans to rebuild the team and attempts to trade the declining slugger. Sandberg spoke in support of Howard during his first news conference of spring training as pitchers and catchers reported to Bright House Field. When Sandberg was asked about the former MVP he benched for three games last season, he said: ''He's the first baseman.'' Howard has never fully rebounded to the level of production he showed before tearing his left Achilles tendon during Philadelphia's final out in 2011, in an NL Division Series loss to St. Louis. The Phillies have other, younger options in veteran Darin Ruf, 28, and top slugging prospect Maikel Franco, 22. More...