By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor
This came out of right field. Nobody saw the Washington Nationals being the team to step up to the plate to give Jayson Werth a contract that pays him Matt Holliday money. But, the Nationals, a team looking to make a free agent splash, did just that by giving Werth a seven-year, $126 million deal.
Jayson, good for you. You did the right thing taking the money. And, this was about the money.
You know what, though? This time, it’s OK. It’s perfectly acceptable that a free agent left Philly for the money.
Jayson Werth double fisting pitchers of Budweiser as he celebrates his seven year, $126 million deal with the Nationals. Rumor has it, beer is on him all night at Irish Pub.
This isn’t Reggie White, or Hugh Douglas, or Brian Dawkins or any other Philly athlete who clearly wanted a payday instead of the coveted championship that eluded them.
This isn’t Charles Barkley or Allen Iverson fleeing town because they wanted to win and our team couldn’t. This time, it doesn’t really hurt. There is no feeling of a punch in the gut.
Jayson Werth has a World Series ring and a NL Championship ring. There are only two everyday right fielders in Phillies’ history with World Series rings. Werth’s one of them.
He’s been an All-Star who’s displayed the ability to hit for power and average in a star-studded line-up.
Really, what was left for him to accomplish here? He’s 31 years old and this is THE time for him to cash in on his past performance. He won’t get another opportunity like this. He just won’t.
Maybe he could have stayed for less money and been part of a Phillies team that is a title away from becoming a baseball and Philly dynasty. But, he’s already part of our hearts for years. He can come back anytime he wants and never have to pay for a meal.
Werth is and will always be a Philly fan favorite. He was an afterthought when the Phillies signed him off the injury heap. But, he displayed his Phillyesque, blue-collar work ethic in becoming an elite outfielder the last three years. Him chasing the money won’t change that.
Jayson, best of luck. Nobody can blame you for taking the money. And, nobody can blame Ruben Amaro for not matching the contract offer. Seven years for a 31 year old outfielder? The only ones who will be blasted, at least in the future, are the Nationals.
