Jayson Werth says he is "perfectly fine" with his standing amongst Phillies fans
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Jayson Werth says he is "perfectly fine" with his standing amongst Phillies fans
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
It certainly looks like Jayson Werth has embraced his role as Citizens Bank Park villain, although the former Phillies right fielder played it straight when he met with reporters in the wake of the Nationals' 8-4 win on Wednesday night. Werth, who was booed before each of his at-bats, incited the sparse crowd that remained in the ninth inning when he retrieved a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle, deked a throwing motion to the crowd, then tossed the ball into the Nationals dugout.
Here is Werth's account of the interlude, which should be read in his usual dry, amused monotone:
"Well, earlier in the game, I flipped a ball into the seats in right field to a fan and it bounced off her hands and landed on somebody elses lap, and then a Phillies fan reached into her lap and grabbed the ball and threw it back onto the field. So in the ninth, when I got the ball, I was going to flip the ball to a group of kids. Behind the kids were all these unruly middle aged men, who, to me, appeared to be snarling. It was the ninth, who knows, I kinda got the sense that they were intoxicated, but maybe not. So I was going to flip it to the kids, but then I thought maybe I shouldn't, because of the people behind those innocent little children. So I just flipped it in the dugout, and evidently that rubbed some people the wrong way. But after the events in right field, I just felt that maybe it was better to not throw it in the stands."
After Werth hit a two-run single to help ice the game, an interesting scene unfolded as a handful of fans in began chanting "Jayyyyyyy-sonnnnnn" in an attempt at mockery that felt a bit hollow given that the stadium was near-empty and the target in question had just helped secure his playoff-bound team a victory over a Phillies team that is now one game over .500.
"You can't take away what I accomplished here, what those teams did, my time spent here in this town, the endless free meals I got from fans and Philadelphians," Werth said. "It's just part of it. It's not really too upsetting. I'm perfectly fine with it."
I boo because Angelo Cataldi and Rhea Hughes tell me I have to. I get all of my advice from those two geniuses.— AreaMan- Lol. Some of the WIP guys are ok, but Citaldi is utterly clueless about baseball.
— the_anti_negadelphian - When Jayson Werth took the money, I applauded him and wished him all the best. I was a Jayson Werth fan, and I'm still a Jayson Werth fan. Don't understand the hate at all.— sfrankln25
- as a phillies fan and Philadelphia resident I found it embarrassing the way everyone booed werth for doing exactly what everyone of them would have done...taken an offer with another employer that was once in a lifetime. he's right, it's usually middle aged men who should know better— dreinterests
- Especially when that standind is looking down on the Phillies in the 2nd Division of the NL.— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
- I would like to see the Phils make a trade for Mike Trout IF we wants to play in Philly? That's what I don't know.— PhilsfaninNebraska
- I would like to see the Phils make a trade for Ted Williams or Lou Gehrig. I know they're dead, but these trades are still more likely to happen than the Angels trading Trout to the Phillies. — jermigio
- Mike Trout is a Phillies fan, so he'd probably be up for it. But I don't see the Angels trading him. — the_anti_negadelphian
- Even if he were up for it (not sure what people are basing this on--if he grew up in Chicago would he want to be traded to the Cubs?), and even if the Angels were stupid enough to get rid of him, who are the Phillies going to offer in exchange--John Mayberry and Nate Schierholtz, plus a few prospects? I love these trade ideas that have absolutely no basis in reality. — jermigio
- Sorry about my typo. shoule be he and not we. Just saying....— PhilsfaninNebraska
- A little home town discount(Lee) is one thing. Werth wasn't going to get anything more than 5 years at 15 million form anyone and then the Nationals offer a contract that was al ost double any other offer. He had to take it.— UncleStosh
- What is the problem? The problem is the Phillies over paid a lot of other players and let him walk when he was still producing and they had no suitable replacement. They didn't lower ticket prices and fielded and inferior team since 2009. It was clear to me that this team would never win another WS in 2010. If Howard is worth 24 million a year, Utley is worth 18, Doc 20, Hamels 25, Lee 20, your telling me Worth wasn't worth it? How much profit did the Phillies make the past 2 years Gelb. Why don't you share that information?— TrollExterminator
- Good comeback. Payroll goes up and you're holding your breath for a ticket price drop. BTW - the "inferior team" the Phillies fielded last year won 102 games. Make the playoffs and anything can happen, including losing the first series you play. Period. It was clear to you we'd never win another World Series? That's sad in so many ways. Finally, don't get so caught up in the numbers and profit margin. The games will be more enjoyable. — vafan
- Why boo the guy because his contract was up and the Nats offered him a great deal? BTW he was smart, the Nats are a far better team, which I didn't think would happen. werth has had one horrible year and this year hasn't played out yet--he may be .300 hitter with little power or he may end up a hero in the post season. No bitterness, it was a far transaction with him and the Phillies.— Barneyboy
- He should be the most popular guy in town. Not signing Werth to his ridiculous contract was a great move by Amaro. Werth is a decent player when healthy but he's produced little since landing in DC with a $126 million deal.
— eman
