The Phillies Werth-less Lineup

There was much handwringing and teeth gnashing upon the news of Jayson Werth’s signing on with the Washington Nationals. 

Just exactly what Jayson’s departure will mean to a Philadelphia lineup that is predominantly left-handed, is up for debate. However, close examination of many statistical facts may astound even the most ardent of Phillies fanatics. 

To begin with, the assumption that Werth did extensive damage to left-handed pitchers is unfounded. In fact, in 2010, a year in which Werth batted a solid .296, with 46 doubles, 2 triples, 27 homers, 106 runs and 85 RBIs, it might surprise most to learn that Jason only accounted for 6 of those home runs and merely 18 of those RBIs versus southpaws. He also batted .287 versus those left-handers. 

On top of that, among National league hitters, Werth compiled the fourth lowest batting average with runners in scoring position, posting a mere .186 (26-140) batting average.  If you think that was futile, consider that from May 17th through September 14th, Jayson batted a putrid .023 (1-43) with runners in scoring position and two out! Those are Ruthian numbers (not Babe, but my aunt Ruth). 

However, Jayson also accumulated the most contradictory statistics I’ve ever seen.  Consider that when the Phillies trailed by one run, Jayson was a one-man wrecking crew.  In those instances, Werth pounded out 31 hits in 77 at bats, .403, with 8 doubles, 7 home runs and 15 RBIs!  Conversely, Jayson reverted to his unproductive ways, batting a feeble .125 (4-32) when behind by 2 runs. 

Jayson Werth also produced arguably the biggest hit of the season, when he blasted a two-run walk- off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against Washington. The hit came on September 19th and capped off a four-run rally, lifting the Phillies to a 7-6 victory. The significance of that majestic blast, deep into the left-center field seats, was that it provided the Phillies with a 3 game lead over the Atlanta Braves, just as the Braves were to begin a crucial 3 game series at Philadelphia. The hit provided the Phillies with the momentum that carried them to a three game sweep over the Braves, which effectively ended the divisional race.

One thing we can say for certain.  Jayson Werth is a good ballplayer.  He’s a good hitter, an excellent fielder and base runner and a popular athlete. However, 18 million dollars a year for seven seasons is a bit much to ask, even for this likeable player. Plus, the odds of Cliff Lee being in a Philadelphia uniform would be highly unlikely if Ruben Amaro had re-signed the big, bearded outfielder.

It will be interesting to see the response of the Philadelphia faithful upon seeing Jayson Werth in an opposing uniform.  I suspect that the initial reaction will be favorable, but after that, he’ll be just another “enemy."