Werth to All-Star game
OF Jayson Werth was named to NL All-Star roster to replace Mets OF Carlos Beltran who is on the DL.
Werth to All-Star game
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Just got a Twitter update from the Phillies saying that Jayson Werth has been named to the National League All-Star team. I haven't received anything official yet from the team in the form of a press release, but I'm sure that will be on its way shortly.
Anyway, nobody will ever accuse Charlie Manuel of not being his players' biggest fan.
I have to admit, I snickered a little bit when somebody asked Manuel the other night if he would consider Werth for the team. I've always been a big proponent of Werth, and felt like he was a guy who needed to be on the field every day, both because of his bat and because of the way he holds down right field.
But when the All-Star teams were announced Sunday, Werth was hitting .262 with a .365 on base percentage, a .851 OPS, 16 home runs, 45 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 54 runs scored.
Solid numbers, sure. But when compared to others around the league, not All-Star worthy.
But in the five games since the vote was announced, Werth has been on an absolute tear, going 6-for-17 with four home runs, nine RBI and five runs scored.
It is an interesting selection, and it doesn't exaclty jive with Major League Baseball's Final Vote, which featured five players who were supposedly the last five out of the game. If I'm Matt Kemp, who plays the outfield and was in the final vote, I'm not too happy right now.
But if you look at Werth's numbers, they are comparable - and in many cases better -- than the other choices Manuel had.
First, let's look at Werth versus Kemp, which each of their ranks among NL Outfielders in parantheses
Werth
OBP: .373 (9)
AVG: .268 (18)
HR: 20 (3)
RBI: 54 (T-5)
SB: 12 (T-8)
OPS: .894 (7)
Matt Kemp
OBP: .386 (6)
AVG: .319 (5)
HR: 10 (T-17)
RBI: 46 (12)
SB: 19 (4)
OPS: .875 (8)
So Werth has significantly better power numbers, as well as a higher OPS (on base percentage + slugging), while Kemp hits for a significantly higher average.
Everyone knows that Charlie Manuel loves power, so he would probably give the edge to Werth based on stats alone.
But speaking of power, here are the numbers for Arizona's Mark Reynolds, who was also in the final vote:
OBP: .347
AVG: .259
HR: 24
RBI: 62
SB: 15
OPS: .892
So Reynolds power numbers are better, and his OPS is similar, but Werth can also play all three outfield positions, while the NL roster is already loaded with power-hitting first basemen.
I can see the argument for Werth again here, based on performance alone.
Which brings us to poor Pablo Sandoval, the player who could most make a case that an injustice has been done:
OBP: .380
AVG: .328
HR: 13
RBI: 50
SB: 3
OPS: .940
He hits for much higher average, reaches base more often, has driven in a comparable amount of runs, and has a much higher OPS.
But he doesn't play for the Phillies. The moral of the story, I guess, is to the victors go the spoils.
Sweet!!!!
At least a half dozen other OF more worthy (werthy?) and if you add in non-OF, make it at least a dozen others. Charlie's unconditional love for Jayson Werth shows through yet again. Is Werth a good player to have on your team? Absolutely. All-Star? Nope.— beagle29- You can never fault a manager for picking/rewarding his own guys...good job Charlie :) Let's hope the NL wins it this year!— tralala
- I love it!! I guess this cements the fact that Werth is an evceeryday player for those who doubted him... Beagle who are the other 6 OF who you woul dtake over him? and teh 12 other players? I'm sure there are a few but that may be more deserving, but i highly doubt that many... and to say Werth is not worthy of all star status... they guy is an excellent OF with a great, accurate arm... he steals bases... oh and by the way he's on pace for 40 HR and 100 RBI— EndTheDrought
- Beagle: name this half-dozen outfielders, please? I'll even start you off by spotting you Kemp from the Dodgers. So, five more legit names. Go for it.— Zherog
- http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090710&content_id=5802614&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb— BJG83
- Hey, one of the perks for winning the World Series is the manager can pick his own players if he wants. It happens every year. So, I have no problem with it.— PhightinPhil
- and Kemp vs Werth is 50-50 toss up— EndTheDrought
- I agree it's a toss up, ETD. But I'll still spot him Kemp, and I don't think he'll get to six total outfielders that would be a clear better choice.— Zherog
- I LOVE IT!!! Beagle just got punked down like the dog that he is...LOL— Jamerock
- Sandoval deserves it more than worth, but to those in SF who have a real problem with it, then go win the World Series. If you want to guaranty a beachfront view, you've got to buy beachfront property.— Clearly Ambiguous
Comment removed.- Beagles are my favorite dog breed, actually. They're loyal, curious, and intelligent. Oh, and they're darn cute, too. :) I'm just not much of a fan of hyperbole, that's all. You can certainly argue that there's more deserving people, starting with Sandoval. If you're willing to including pitchers, I don't think it'd be that hard to find six players, total, more worthy. I just took issue with the claim that there's six outfielders more worthy. That's all.— Zherog
- Coste has gone bye-bye— CrayzeeGuy
- Go NL! Go Phillies! I am reveling in this season, after a glorious season last year. Bring it home again, boys! :) We love you!— trwhouse
