Schmidt working with Howard on making more contact

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - Philadelphia Phillies great Mike Schmidt is in spring camp for a month, and is spending quality time with Ryan Howard.

Schmidt is working with the Phillies slugger on making more contact at the plate, especially late in games.

Howard hit only .143 after the sixth inning last year. He struck out 45 times in those 84 at-bats.

Schmidt says he's hoping Howard can put more balls in play and cut down on fouls that leave him in two-strike counts.