Jayson Werth shakes the rust off in debut appearance for the Washington Nationals in Spring Training
Nationals’ Jayson Werth managed to debut for the club and shake off the rust present during the off-season period. The Washington Nationals had a lot to be glad about recently, as they took on the New York Mets in their Grapefruit League encounter. Preparing
for the 2011 Major League Baseball season in Viera, Florida, the Nationals were able to break the surface with an important win over the New York Mets.
Werth had one chance on the plate and he did not get to make his opportunity count, as he was walked to first base by the Mets. He was however replaced in the fifth inning, as Bryce Harper broke through the platform to heighten his stakes in the selection
process. Werth, a former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, did not take part in the first game against New York.
Werth, like many other seasoned players in the squad, had spent time in the Space Coast Stadium, working out for the upcoming challenge.
"It felt like baseball," Werth said. "The first game, I'm just trying to figure out what your feet are doing -- trying not to do anything too crazy. It was a good day. I'm proud to be part of the organization, put on a Nationals uniform, go out there and
get things started. It was good way to kind of break the ice and get things going."
Jayson was signed on a seven year, 126-million-dollar deal last year and it is expected he will do a lot for the team in the middle-order. Nationals’ Manager Jim Riggleman, has announced plans to put Werth ahead of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman in the line
up. Werth’s On Base Percentage was up at .388, last year. That is a positive feature to consider
"It's a good plan and things could change throughout the season. Nothing is set in stone," Werth said. "My OBP has been high. Hopefully I get on base and have Zimm knock me in. I feel comfortable hitting one through nine."
Werth has usually starred on the fifth slot of the batting formation in the past.
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