Werth Homers Into History In One-Man Show
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Sat, May 17, 2008 07:56 AM

Jayson Werth had the greatest game of his life, hitting three home runs and driving in eight — tying a Phillie record — in a 10-3 win over the Blue Jays. Kitty Bransfield, Gavvy Cravath, Willie “Puddin’ Head” Jones and Mike Schmidt also recorded eight RBI in a game, while Ryan Howard had the last three homer game. He hit a three-run opposite-field homer, an opposite-field grand slam and a solo shot.
Jamie Moyer grabbed the win, going 6.2 innings, giving up three runs on seven hits. Shane Victorino added an RBI double and Howard had an RBI single (he also struck out twice). Chad Durbin and Clay Condrey finished the game with scoreless frames.
This one was all about Werth. In a steady rain where fans wondered if the umpires would call the game, Werth delivered a moment that had fans wanting to stay and keep the game alive. With two homers and seven RBI by the third inning, his third homer acted as a release — the thought “he could do it” permeated throughout. Though his final attempt saw him pop out gingerly, the drama was there, and Werth entertained like no other.
I’ve always liked Werth. He’s an on-base machine, takes pitches and swings smartly. He may not have Howard or even Utley power, but he’s a nice combination of everything you need in a ballplayer. Is he an everyday guy? Possibly, but it’s a battle. Bottom line: He’s a guy I want on my 25-man roster any time, and last night’s history-making heroics confirm that tenfold.
Associated Press photos
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- Phillies-Dodgers Playoff History
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- Charlie Manuel: Best Manager In Phillies History?
19 Responses to “Werth Homers Into History In One-Man Show”
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May 17th, 2008 at 8:25 am
At the end of last year, I thought Werth just ran out of steam – I became a real fan after his inside the park HR earlier and this was more proof that he deserves to be planted firmly in center field!
What power to the opposite field – how sweet it is!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:00 am
i was at that game freezing in the windy and rain, but it was worth it all!!
hella good game!!
one thing though.
stop booing scott rolen.
damn! let it rest.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I’ve liked Werth ever since I saw him hit 2 dingers for the Dodgers in a game against the Phils before the broken wrist. If the Phils don’t give him a chance to play every day, some other club sure will since, IIRC, his contract is up at the end of this year.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Still don’t know why the Dodgers got rid of him, he seems to be perfect for the NL 4th outfielder role. I think, and I could be wrong here, he would have been cheaper (and more productive) than Andruw Jones and Juan Pierre…
May 17th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Werth has a higher on base and slugging average then Victorino and deserves to be in the lineup every day. With Werth in the lineup, Aaron Rowand will not be missed this year.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I’m starting to think Werth is more than a fourth outfielder.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Defensively, I would still stick with Victorino in CF…for now. He has slightly better range than Werth; however, Jayson has certainly shown he can play the outfield from an instinctual perspective as well as anyone right now, and he can throw more strikes to home from out there than Myers can from the mound. He’s been a good offensive option for the Phils from day one, and he should at the very least be the everyday RF. What a contrast from Bobby “5%” Abreu.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I’m not even sure why people are “starting to think” that Werth should be more than a fourth outfielder. If he gets cold, you spell him with Jenkins. Until then, he should play every day — including against righties. He’s been pretty hot all year so far (and the second half of last year), so there should be absolutely no question as to who should play right field every day.
It’s a shame he’s not even on the All-Star ballot.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Jeez! Now you’re making him an All-Star? I know you’re overjoyed with Werth’s memorable feat last night but let’s not go overboard. Remember he is hitting .262 (17 for 65) against righties and Manual will likely sit him tonight as righty A.J. Burnett is pitching for the Blue Jays.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
If Werth keeps this up, he gives the Phillies a realistic option if Burrell leaves… Victorino is better in RF because he has a stronger arm… can hold runners at 2nd instead of 3rd… 3rd instead of home.. from CF you don’t get to use his skills as much as you do with him in RF.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
If Werth had hit a 2-run homer also, would it have qualified as some sort of cycle?
May 17th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Don’t forget his September monster 3 run bomb in RFK last year to bring the Phils back to one run down after Lohse spotted the Natties to a 6-2 lead. The Phils end up winning that game and on to the NL East.
I will never not boo Scott Rolen.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Yeah, it would be a home run cycle. And Manuel said he’s likely to still play him tonight. And I’m going to the game tonight!!
May 17th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Ahm going too -keep that rain away!
May 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Have to stay with Werth in CF – I have not seen the same type of play out of Victorino in CF that I did when he was in RF last year. And, Werth is sizzling right now.
Look for Myers to go on the DL with a mysterious ailment. How abou his comment that he was able to put his pitches where he wanted them to go after he threw batting practice his last start? Nice and up in the Zone Brett..
May 17th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Bruce, no, I’m not “making him an All-star.” I’m just saying that he deserves to be on the ballot more than Jenkins.
And .262 against righties is fine by me. He’s hitting .288 overall, which is nothing to sneeze at. Jenkins, by comparison, is batting .276 against righties and .255 overall.
Not much difference between .262 and .276. And I’d rather have Werth out there for the other things he brings: defense, speed, good arm. (Jenkins has OK defense and arm, but not speed). Not to mention the intangibles. Werth is young and hungry. I kinda look at him as “Utley light.” He would run through a brick wall to win — kinda like Chase.
Jenkins is a complementary rent-a-player, who is here to cash a paycheck and contribute during the twilight of his career. Nothing wrong with that. We need those kinds of guys to play once or twice a week.
But I’d rather see Werth get more PT. And it’s been pointed out here before: maybe he improves against righties if he sees more of ‘em.
May 17th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Just for shits and giggles, here are Werth’s projected 2008 numbers:
G – 153
AB – 531
R – 95
HR – 41
RBI – 117
AVG – .288
OBP – .356
SLG – .576
For some reason I thought Werth would have a career year this season. So far he’s easily living up to it.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
It sure looks like Werth is supplanting Victorino in centerfield. Quite a show on Friday.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Werth should start every night in right field. That other guy just grounds out to first base every time he bats.