Jayson Werth knew his purpose all season, as did his manager, teammates, and the public. This was the year Werth was to prove he could be a healthy, productive major-leaguer for 162 games, or fail trying.
Baseball is a team sport, of course, but its individual story lines are more compelling than championships. Werth's career as a Phillie became memorable last season for his part in the World Series run, but 2009 was more important for his own personal fulfillment. In April, we said in this space that Werth was facing a major test, and now that the regular season is over, we can follow up.
For Werth, this year was a success. He more than passed the test. On the most obvious level, he played an entire season without visiting the disabled list. On a level at least as important to the Phillies, Werth's personality became a defining force in the clubhouse. Zooming out to the macro, he probably was the top rightfielder in the National League.
Last point first. In the most important offensive category, on-base percentage, Werth (.373) was second only to Colorado's Brad Hawpe, an inferior all-around player. He led in home runs (36); the only other rightfielder to hit 30 was Los Angeles' Andre Ethier, who had 31. Werth and Arizona's Justin Upton led with 20 stolen bases. Werth and centerfielder Shane Victorino combined to play lockdown outfield defense, adding to their value by enhancing the pitching staff.
We present those facts to show that Werth's star status is not just a matter of local perception; he has become a national force. But really, it doesn't matter who the best rightfielder is. What truly mattered this year was the story of a man who spent his 20s injured and underappreciated, and was able to find an opportunity and capitalize before his physical gifts faded.
For a decade, Werth yearned for a chance like this. Drafted by general manager Pat Gillick's Baltimore Orioles in 1997, he spent his 20s with that organization, then Toronto, then the Dodgers. He usually was a part-timer. Werth's progress was halted when an A.J. Burnett fastball crushed his wrist in his first at-bat of spring training in 2005.
That ruined almost two years, and robbed Werth of the sense of invincible promise that comes with being young and healthy. In memory of that painful episode, Werth still refuses to swing during his first Grapefruit League at-bat each spring.
After the 2006 season, the Dodgers decided not to offer Werth a contract, making him a suddenly unemployed 27-year-old athlete facing life decisions. But he had a powerful patron in Gillick, the executive with a sharp eye for undetected talent (see: Ibanez, Raul, and dozens of others). Gillick was then the Phillies' GM, and he granted Werth one final opportunity.
Once he arrived in Philadelphia, Werth found another supporter in Charlie Manuel. The manager, whose own big-league window closed before he found an opportunity to play regularly, gradually entrusted Werth with more playing time. In 2007, Werth and Victorino shared a part-time outfield role. The 2008 season began with Werth as part of a platoon with Geoff Jenkins, whom he outplayed.
After winning the job from Jenkins, Werth suffered an oblique (side muscle) strain that sent him to the disabled list in August. Though the time he missed was not significant, the effect on his reputation was - Werth could not yet shake the tag of "injury prone."
That seemed, to him, unfair and arbitrary, and he entered spring training this year with the intention of achieving, at age 30, what had eluded him since the late '90s. And he did.
Lest we be accused of too flattering a profile, we'll make it clear: Manuel believes that Werth still needs to improve as a player. The manager would like to see more consistency, which seems a reasonable request. Despite the final numbers, Werth endured weeks of fuzzy nonproductivity at various points this year.
He batted .248 in May, looking suddenly unable to recognize pitches. Sometimes, as when he stole home on May 12, Werth seems like the most alert and dynamic player on the field. Occasionally, though, he appears distant, not entirely connected with the game.
Still, he always is connected to the tones of the team. Werth's personality mirrors the Phils'. Both typically respond to adversity with a confident shrug. When success is not necessary, they sometimes forget to achieve it, but they find a higher level of performance at the perfect times. Both are tough-minded and determined.
Werth's quirky voice - always insightful, often funny, occasionally surly - became an increasingly vital part of the Phillies' public persona this year. Unlike some teams, the Phils lack a true spokesman. Jimmy Rollins is brilliant but too often unavailable. Ryan Howard is available but unrevealing. Chase Utley is working, thank you very much.
So Werth's thoughts often have represented the Phillies this year on television and in print, and his unpackaged behavior has endeared him to fans. During the celebration last month after the Phillies clinched their third National League East title in Werth's three seasons with the club, he walked to the grass in front of the home dugout.
One fan tossed him an oversize boxing glove. Werth, beer in hand and cigar in mouth, slipped it on and raised a triumphant fist. The crowd responded with a cheer, happy to be engaged by an athlete in an era when most remain cloistered behind money and image.
After years of frustration and fear that the life he wanted might not happen, Werth finally was comfortable. He had found a place to become fulfilled.
Contact staff writer Andy Martino at 215-854-4874 or amartino@phillynews.com.
