Boras talks Werth
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Boras talks Werth
Matt Gelb
Read my earlier post on Werth-Boras here.
After Jayson Werth canvassed the agent community over the past month, he settled upon Scott Boras, one of the game's most powerful figures. Boras could land Werth a huge deal this off-season when he becomes a free agent, but the superagent thinks a common bond helped forge the two parties.
"I think we got along because we were both raised by farmers," Boras said by phone. "His stepfather and my father were both farmers. You go to work, get your job done, you do your thing and you keep your mouth shut."
Werth hired Boras late Sunday night. He called the agent to inform him of his decision hours after hitting a walk-off home run to beat the Washington Nationals.
"It was a real good day," Boras said.
Boras expects his client to command a significant deal on the market. The first positive about Werth's 2010 season that Boras mentioned was the fact he could play centerfield. Werth has started 18 games in center this season.
So will talks with the Phillies, who appear to be a significant long shot to re-sign Werth, begin before the season is over?
"Certainly," Boras said. "The Phillies are a very viable alternative."
Alternative?
"Whenever a player is playing well at a place, you have to look at those places closely because they're a good combination," Boras said. "It's good business for the Phillies. They've been running their business rather well. They're putting together a core, a dynasty."
Boras has had limited dealings with the Phillies since the J.D. Drew saga in 1997. He also represents current Phillies Ryan Madson and Domonic Brown -- coincidentally, the player who could replace Werth in the Phillies' lineup.
The agent said he has kept in contact with Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
"In the era of Ruben, we talk about a lot of free agents," Boras said. "We interact quite a bit. Ruben and I have a very good working relationship over the years."
For more, read Tuesday's Inquirer.
Just the excuse the Philly needed not to resign Werth. The Phillies are REALLY going to miss him. Brown is going to be a great player, but he is not ready yet and that leaves a BIG hole in right. Good luck Jason, the fans love you, but the cheep old Phillies are not going to resign you.— craig123- "Mikell = Dawkins 2" <-- your name already shows your credibility... no need to read your comment further.— WongGendeng
- It has been a pleasure having Werth in Philly and I hope he stays hot through the post-season. He will secure his Aaron Rowand-five year deal somewhere, and we will wish him the very best of luck.— smel4727
- @craig123, The Phillies have one of the highest payrolls; they are no longer cheap. Werth is valuable, but he will not be as valuable as the five-year contract that Boras will secure for him on the open market.— smel4727
- Lets concentrate on the "now". One game at a time...one game at at time. 2010 is all that currently matters. Its a win win for all parties involved. If Werth has a great ending to September and a huge playoff run, it means the Phillies are that much stronger for the post-season. When November comes around, lets hope there is a parade down Broad Street. After the parade, let the Phillies brass do what it has done so well for quite a while. I look at other Boras clients and how they have turned out in making team changes...not so good. J.D Drew has proved to be one of the most overpaid Boris clients, along with the poor Texas Chan-Ho debacle, the A-Rod rip off. Even though Adrian Beltre is having a good year, ask the Mariners if they got what they paid for? Werth deserve all he can get on the open market. Remember, its still a business.— drhoffman
They will offer arbitration. There is no reason to think they will not pay Werth good money on a long term deal, but that has to wait until after next season, when Lidge and Ibanez's deals are over. The thing nobody is talking about is Rollin's, who clearly needs to be resigned. So if it is one or the other....goodbye JW.- Keep on playing for that contract Werth and the phils will reap the benefits. He wasnt going to sign no matter what agent he chose. Brown will be the man next year but right now Werth just needs to keep crushing the ball and get this team to another pennant and WS ring! Let's Go Phil's...see you tonight at the game...get those rally towels ready!!— Phillyphan26
- he's gone, and finding a strong RH bat to replace him is going to be a problem, and not a cheap one. But remember not only the past month, but the entire season, and how he seemed fogged in, or out, and not that effective at bat, in the field, on the bases. he's locked in now, but can Phils afford another season like this one, next year? Not sure who the alternatives might be, but a platoon of Brown and Francisco won't be enough RH protection for Howard, Utley, and Raul. Jimmy batting 5th?— Eephus
I agree with drhoffman - let the Phillies brass worry about Werth AFTER we (hopefully) win the 2010 World Series.— DaveCicc
