Right fielder Jayson Werth agreed Sunday to a $126 million, seven-year contract with the Washington Nationals, a huge deal announced even before the winter meetings officially began. The 31-year-old, who helped the Phillies win the 2008 World Series title, hit .296 this year in his fourth and final season with the Phillies. He had an NL-high 46 doubles, 27 homers and 85 RBIs. "It kind of exemplifies phase two of the Washington Nationals' process," general manager Mike Rizzo said. "Phase one was scouting and player development, building the farm system. ... Now it's the time to go to the second phase and really compete for division titles and championships." Werth moves from the team that has won four straight NL East titles to one that finished last this year at 69-93 and hasn't had a winning record since 2003 -- the franchise's next-to-last season as the Montreal Expos. His agreement was announced two days after the Nationals' cleanup hitter, Adam Dunn, left for a $56 million, four-year contract with the Chicago White Sox. read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5888329
Jayson Werth will wear #28 with the #Nationals. Mike Morse will switch from #28 to #19 for 2011. http://twitter.com/#!/NatsTownNews/status/11866563049168896
Guess he tired of the same old team, plus he gets a nice bonus. The Nationals are gonna be good, scary good.
Pretty sure Philly just let him walk because they've got a prospect ready to play RF and they didn't want to pay him a ridiculous amount like Wash just did. Hes not a centerpiece but hes being paid like one now.
I think he's worth the money, but they do have a good prospect. He's going to be up great numbers, probably for at least another 5-6 seasons.
I just got douche chills. I dunno maybe I'm more weary of Philly players because of Aaron Rowand on my G's but its very suspect to sign a guy leaving Philly who'll be 32 once the season starts to a 7 year deal. His prime years were all in Philly so its hard to compare but he never hit over .262 or got over .338 OBP before going to Philly. The Nats don't have a bad lineup but its a lot different hitting amongst Rollins, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Victorino, Ibanez, and all the other Philly all-star type players than Zimmerman and co. Hes a good player but hes not a centerpiece IMO, he was a key contributor but I'd say he reaped the rewards of being behind Utley and Howard more than vice versa. Not to mention hitting in that band box. I think he'll still have good years in Washington, don't get me wrong. I'd kill to get him on my G's on a short term deal. But I gotta think that his numbers will deflate some leaving that lineup and leaving that ballpark. Plus hes getting old. There's no where to go but down for him. They'll be paying him nearly 20 mil a year until hes 39. I don't see him totally dropping off the next couple of years but how good is he going to be at 35, 36, 37, 38?
I really hope the Angels' turn away focus from Crawford and put it towards Adrian Beltre and Rafael Soriano.
Yeah Crawford is another guy I'd be weary of because of his age. It'd be nice to get him on a short term deal but realistically hes going to get Werth money or better. Plus with Werth gone (plus some backup options like Dunn and Huff gone) the BoSox have more pressure to bid for and land him. Again, good player, will be good for a while longer, but hes in his thirties and a guy who relies heavily on speed. Doesn't seem like a smart idea to sign him to 7+ years and 20+ mil a year. BTW was looking up salaries yesterday. According to Wiki the Yankees have all of the top four highest annual salaries in 2010. And only one player outside of the NY teams is in the top 6 or 7. MLB is seriously a joke.
Crawford will get 7, 140 if Werth got 7 120+. With the money Crawford wants, the Angels' can fill two of their biggest holes - 3B and closer.
Aren't the Angels really into him though? I heard they sat him next to Tori Hunter at the ASG to help woo him to Los Angeles via Anaheim.
Yeah the Angels are really into Crawford. They're the odds on favorites to sign him according to rumors, but I don't think they should if its going to take that much.
The Red Sox aren't gonna sign Crawford. And Mamba, why the fuck would you want Beltre? He's had two good years in his career (contract years) and the rest have been very mediocre.
Brandon Wood. Maicer Izturis. Albert Callaspo. You want any of them playing 3B? His defense is solid and his numbers are quality. His poorest numbers came when he played in Seattle. If you look @ those splits, his #'s away from Safeco field aren't bad. He beats any option we have right now @ 3B, though. That is the biggest reason. I like a lineup with Hunter, Morales, and Beltre in the middle of it. Crawford is going to be a Yankee or a Halo. The Rangers are a dark horse to get him I've read.
