Waaaay Werth The Wait

It started with the Ben Wallace Afro in Detroit. Then the Mannywood section in Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium introduced the Manny dreadlocks to the world. Now, it’s time for Philadelphia to enter the world of hair give-a-ways. Introducing……

THE JAYSON WERTH RIGHT FIELD BEARD BUMS!!!

It might not be all that impressive, but at this point I’m willing to do anything to keep number 28 in Philly . I don’t care if I have to rent a limo, drive around South Philadelphia and scream and holler “I WANT TO MARRY JAYSON WERTH” at the top of my lungs, or even change my name to "Werthwolf". Ruben Amaro, Jr. and EVERYONE who is a true Phillies fan needs to help complete a mission: keep Jayson home. Werth is the best Phillies right fielder since Bobby Abreu (wait Abreu played defense?) and has also joined the “Roy Halladay Beard Club” along with Kyle Kendrick. Most importantly, Jayson is on pace for over 30 homers, 130 RBI’s, a plus-.320 average, and might even reach 20 steals.

Jayson Werth. Jayson Richard Gowan Werth. No matter what stats and accolades he receives this season, this bushy-faced man will be eligible for free agency following the team’s imminent NL Championship 3-peat (yeah I just predicted it) . The soon-to-be 31-year-old will most likely be looking to receive anywhere from $10-14 million a season and you know what? He deserves it, his numbers show it and he is worth it. He is WERTH it. Arguably in his prime, Werth is the same age as Ryan Howard (who by the way just signed a deal for $20 million dollars if you have been living under a rock) and by seasons end could perhaps be more valuable to the team.

Jayson also isn’t exactly surrounded by a stellar free agent class either. Other “big name” outfielders include: Colorado’s Brad Hawpe, Detroit’s Johnny Damon and Magglio Ordonez, the now seemingly irrelevant Manny Ramirez, and Xavier Nady (did you know that he left the Yankees for Chicago Cubs?). Ramirez, Damon and Ordonez have all reached the 37-year-old milestone, and Nady and Hawpe were simply one or two-year wonders. Basically, the other outfielders available this offseason, although once great or and even made a few All-Star appearances, can’t wipe Werth’s future $60-plus million butt. That’s a problem. Considering that in the MLB, unlike the NBA or NFL, pretty much every team has a chance to make a trade-deadline deal to free up cap-space for the upcoming offseason, Jayson is going to be a very hot commodity. Think about it. If he does in fact leave town for a greener situation (and no, I’m not talking about the Oakland A’s) we’re going to be forced to fill his spot with either one of the aged, or aging, names listed above, or promote John Mayberry Jr. or Dominic Brown to the big leagues.

Honestly, I have no idea if one of those two prospects could fill Jayson’s 6’5, enormous shoes, and neither do you. But this goes back to the Ryan Howard contract controversy. Ruben Amaro Jr’s main argument was that Howard was a sure thing. If Howard is a sure thing, Jayson’s Werth’s production is more definite than Ron Burgundy hair looking good. Jayson is going to hit over 25 home runs, knock in 90 runs, and steal 10 bags for the next five seasons. Don’t forget a few more All-Star appearances as well. Mr. Werth, I can only hope for the best for you and that you make the best decision for yourself and your family. But I will be praying everyday until free agency signing period that that decision is the one, the only, Philadelphia Phillies.