Amaro says Phillies want quick resolution on Werth
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Amaro says Phillies want quick resolution on Werth
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
An ESPN.com report surfaced earlier this week that quoted a Phillies source as saying the team had no chance of re-signing right fielder Jayson Werth.
"No chance. None. Zero."
That was the exact quote from the Phillies' source in a story by Jayson Stark.
Asked about that statement Friday, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro emphatically shot it down.
"That's unequivocally a false statement," Amaro said. "That did not come from me and I would not express that."
Amaro would not comment on whether he has made a contract proposal to Werth's agent Scott Boras, but he did say the Phillies hope to have a relatively fast resolution on whether the free agent right fielder will return to the team.
"I don't think it's something we're going to let go on for a while," Amaro said. "Hopefully we'll find out if he's a viable option to bring back in a short period of time. Regardless of what happens with Jayson, there are things we need to do."
Amaro said one of the things at the top of the team's agenda is strengthening the bullpen.
"I think there is some help out there for us and we think we can improve our bullpen," Amaro said. "We'd like to think we can do something from the left side, but there aren't that many guys out there."
Minnesota's Brian Fuentes and Hisanori Takahashi and Pedro Feliciano of the New York Mets are among the left-handed free-agent relievers available.
Looks like RAJ is simply drawing a line in the sand with Mr. Boras. If Werth wants to come back, it WILL happen....which I personally hope is the end result.— dri_as_a_bone- I agree with RAJ. Boras has a history of holding his guys out to get the very last dollar. I want Werth back as much as anyone but this cannot drag out. I don't think the money will be an issue as much as the years will be. You cannot go more than 5 and I'd prefer 4 but we'll see. The Red Sox may give him all the money and the years anyway.— athousandgods
"...unequivocally a false statement" says Amaro as his nose continued to grow!! Just tell us the truth Ruben!!— dogman5- It would be funny if the source was Werth. Jayson Stark isn't exactly the type of reporter to make a story up, or run with it if it's not credible.— sohagan28
- Doesn't matter if RAJ denies it publicly, there's no chance the Phils re-sign Werth. Boras's clients never take the early money.— paolibulldog
- If the Phillies give Werth a fair offer and he leaves I'll have no problem with it. To me fair would be right around market value. Maybe not as much as some teams would offer but to expect Jayson to take more then a slight discount to stay is expecting too much. We'll see in the end. Losing Werth will be a big blow any way you slice it. This team's offense is in decline and he was there best offensive player last year struggles with RISP aside. Never mind he also gives the Phillies things they have in short supply which is right handed power, patient at bats, and a high on base percentage.— brannigan73
If I'm RAJ, I'm doing my best to find someone dumb enough to pay half of Raul's salary in a trade so I can free up enough money to put a decent offer on the table. This team needs RH pop in the order in the worst way.— jpk- dogman5...you can't handle the TRUTH...— stan the man too
- Fair market deal would seem to be 4 years, $64 million or, if the cash per year is an issue, 3 years, $54 million with a club/player option for year 4.— jpk
- Hey Jayson; Do Philly a favor as tey captured when you were an inconsistent nothing! Don't let Borus sway you as he did TO in to a NO WIN situation and the only person who benefited ws Boras. Realioty is Jayson, playoffs, friends familiar playground and money no matter what. To a fan it is a win ..win..Amaro won't blittle you. Clear example Victorino vs Rowand. Yes Giants won but one year. Think about it— hrlevine
- hey hrlevine, Drew Rosenhaus was TO's agent, not Scott Boras. Although Scott is definitely in the Rosenhaus mold of agent.... NEXT QUESTION!
Comment removed.- "That did not come from me and I did not say that" ... well, obviously. The report never said it came from you, rather from a team source
- @hrlevine: May I suggest you proofread your stuff before you send it in? I THINK I got the gist of your statement, but the misspellings, ruptured syntax and questionable historical facts (Boras was NOT TO's agent!) completely negated your post.— TBear
- Realize that what most of what your hearing now is just rumor. Very dissapointed loosing Lopes. Davey did so much for running game which turned into Phills wins. I was in RA corner until this. If it was about the money coaches get little compared to even journey players. This is not meant as a slight to either Perlozzo or Samuel but it makes no sense, As a 3rd base coach your in a position for more criticisim than 1st base coach but Lopes may have been most valuable coach in game. Hope Werth scenerio is finished quickly and able team to find good righthanded bat if Jayson leaves.— Don w
