Jayson Werth to test free agent market
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, Jayson Werth, will test the open market this off season. He hit 27 home runs and had 85 RBIs with an average of .296 for the Phillies in 2010, and he added another two
home runs and six RBIs in the playoffs. Philadelphia was eliminated by the San Francisco Giants on Saturday in the National League Championship Series.
“I've had the best time the last four years playing baseball with these guys, with these fans,” said Werth. “The team has taken the necessary steps to create a winning atmosphere, and hopefully they'll
continue to do that. Obviously, we know business is good in Philadelphia. They could probably sign whoever they want. Whether or not that's me, we'll have to wait and see.”
Werth has not ruled out a return to the Phillies, but he is intent on seeing what other teams have to offer.
Ruben Amaro Jr, the team’s general manager, has stated that he would like to keep the hitter on the team, but that he has yet to speak with Werth’s agent, Scott Boras, who is known for getting the maximum
value for a player.
“I haven't had any discussions with Scott yet," Amaro said. “Over the next 48 hours or so, we'll make contact.”
Amaro claims to have enough money to re-sign Werth, but depending on what Werth is asking for, he may in fact be too expensive. With Boras as his agent, Werth is going to command a significant pay raise
from the $10m over two years his last contact was worth.
Considering the spending habits of teams like the Boston Red Sox, and the New York Yankees, Werth could find himself in the American League East to start next season unless Amaro really does want to keep
him.
“I guess the follow-up question is, 'Do we have enough money to do it, and would we like to bring him back?' The answer to both questions is yes,” said Amaro “However, that'll all kind of depend on what
the ask is, and ultimately how that will affect us with other possible moves we would have to make to do that.”
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