For What It's Werth...

Jayson Werth was easily the player of the game last night, knocking in 4 of the Phillies 5 runs in the series opening victory over the Braves. However, he was nearly the goat of the game, botching a rbi double by Brian McCann in the top of the 9th, as he misread the ball that ended up gliding over his head that should have been caught for a game ending out. I shouldn't wag my finger at Werth though, after all, it was Manuel's decision to start Werth in CF and Victorino in RF. I understood playing Werth in CF while Vic was on the DL, but now that he's back the faster Victorino who has better fielding instincts needs to be roaming the big part of the ballpark. It's all good in the hood though, because the Phils won and hopefully Charlie realized his mistake and fixes it. Also, I've recently read that Manuel believes Werth is just a wee-bit shy of becoming a full-time player. Personally, I think Werth is probably one of the best 4th outfielders around baseball with his speed, pop, on-base skills, and ability to play all 3 outfield positions, but I do not think he is 145+ game a season material. When Jayson starts for prolonged periods of time his intensity level moderates and his extremely long looping swing becomes exposed. For now we should be happy with the production we're getting from him in his platoon with Geoff Jenkins in RF and occasional start for Werth in CF.

Today's game pins 300 game winner Tom Glavine against underachieving hothead Brett Myers. It's time for Myers to pitch up to his capability and become a solid 1-2 punch with Cole Hamels at the top of the rotation.