ESPN.Com’s Jayson Stark has an excellent article detailing how the play of Dominic Brown will impact the future of Jayson Werth in red pinstripes.

While it’s no surprise that Werth is likely playing his last year in Philly due to economics, we question everybody — including Werth himself — calling Brown “The Future.” He is a great prospect and very well could play at an All-Star caliber level in The Show in a few years. However, nobody should think Brown will take the place of Werth’s production next year.

He's Werth breaking the bank to keep in red pinstripes for years to come.

As Stark points out, Brown has barely played above single-A ball after suffering a fractured finger last June. Plenty of players have fizzeled out between Double-A and the big leagues. Hell, Werth said last spring he called Jason Donald “The Future.” Donald fell out of favor and is no longer considered a can’t-miss prospect while he toils in Cleveland’s camp.

The Phillies obviously better be careful with this move. The fact is Raul Ibanez comes off the books after 2011. Brown would be better equipped to join the Phillies next year and platoon with Ibanez. Meanwhile, they should keep Werth and just overpay their outfield for a year. In 2012, Werth’s contract will not be as big of a deal since Brown will be making the minimum.