Werth To Start For Now; Vic Is Unhappy

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Mon, May 19, 2008 11:11 AM

Charlie Manuel has confirmed Jayson Werth is an “everyday” player in center field, leaving Shane Victorino to platoon with Geoff Jenkins in right field.

“Right now, [Werth is] definitely one of our starters,” Manuel said. “Why shouldn’t he be? We’re trying to win,” said Manuel to PhillyBurbs writer Randy Miller . He continued:

“I can only play three [outfielders] at a time. Hit .320 or .330 and you’ll be sure to be in there. If you’re hitting .235 … ”

That’s a shot at Victorino, who is hitting .235 this season. Of course, Werth is hitting .272, not exactly .235. Against righties he’s hitting a Vic-like .236. Jenkins is hitting .265 but only has two home runs and seven RBI, not exactly the numbers you were hoping from a guy with 30-HR power. He’s hitting .154 against lefties.

While Vic is hitting poorly, he needs to be in there almost everyday. The Werth/Jenkins platoon is the right way to play the outfielders. Werth won’t give you much against righties; Jenkins won’t give you much against lefties. Vic gives the same amount against both (.233 against RHP, .238 against LHP) and should come around to his career norm of .270.

This is another classic case of Manuel sticking with his guns after one hot performance. The 3 HR, 8 RBI game by Werth was something special, but you can’t ignore numbers and facts, and they state Werth is most dangerous against lefties and not at all against righties. Utilize the lineup correctly and the benefits will come.

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9 Responses to “Werth To Start For Now; Vic Is Unhappy”

  1. Geoff Jenkins Says:

    Victorino hasn’t lived up to expectations this year at the plate, but at least he is still an above average outfielder.

  2. Greg Says:

    I do think the rains cost the Phils some momentum, yesterday. Kendrick has been pitching well, how he does with a WHIP of 4 boggles my mind, but you can’t argue with results.

    In my opinion, the bottom line on the season is Myers needs to get his act together. If hes a serviceable #2, that makes our SP decent given the lineup. If he’s going to continue to be a bad #5 starter, it looks pretty ugly.

    Can Uncle Chuck please explain to the Phils that Tim Redding is not Sandy Koufax?

  3. Sean Says:

    Just because Werth had a couple of good starts including the one from Friday, he should no be the every day outfielder. I believe that Cic is not having a good start this year but still deserves the center field job. He is also a betteer defensive outfielder. Charles seems unwilling to change his opinions, but i do belive that he knows what he is doing

  4. Lisa Werth Says:

    This is great for my son. He has earned the honor of starting for the phillies

  5. Bruce Says:

    I agree with Greg that the two rain delays cost the Phillies some momentum and gave Toronto an opportunity to use Cy Young (Halladay)
    in relief. The team has to put that loss behind them and focus on tonight’s series opener in Washington. As Greg pointed out, it’s important for Myers to regain his effectiveness and no better time than tonight. Myers is an integral part of a fragile rotation and his success (or failure) will determine the team’s chances to make the playoffs.

    I also agree with Tim that Victorino needs to play everyday to be effective both at bat and in the OF. Remember that last season, Victorino was a vital part of the tablesetting duo (with Rollins) at the top of the line-up using their aggressive speed (Victorino’s 40+ stolen bases). Plus Victorino has a great arm and among league leaders in assists last season. Werth is more suitable as a platoon player (with Jenkins) hitting lower in the line-up (sixth?). Tim already provided stats on Werth’s problem in hitting righthanded pitchers. Just to illustrate that inability, Werth went a total of 0 for 7 with 5 K’s (6 LOB) against righty Burnett on Saturday and yesterday’s game.

    Thank goodness, it’s only May (45 games played), with Howard warming up and in part compensating for Utley’s mini slump (4 for 23) in the Phillies’ six game homestand (3-3). Utley’s BA has dropped to .306.

    Here’s something to consider; since Kendrick only pitched one inning yesterday, it may give Manuel another option in using him in relief on Tuesday or Wednesday. He ordinarily would throw a between-starts side session on those aforementioned days. His next start is scheduled for Friday in Houston.

  6. Mike T. Says:

    Anyone making the trip down to Houston? I’ll be there all weekend, and will be attending the Saturday and Sunday game.

  7. Tim Malcolm Says:

    If you’re going to try and make us believe you’re Jayson Werth’s (hot) mom, at least get the name right. It’s Kim.

  8. Brian Michael Says:

    Haha.

    By the way, Victorino is starting tonight in CF, batting second according to the Nationals media people.

  9. Jennifer M. Says:

    Jayson Werth has showed his {worth) and deserves to be starting!

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Comments for this post will be closed on 16 September 2008.

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Charlie Manuel - $1.5 million
Pat Burrell - $14 million
Ryan Howard - $10 million
Brett Myers - $8.5 million
Adam Eaton - $7.635 million
Chase Utley - $7.5 million
Jimmy Rollins - $7 million
Brad Lidge - $6.35 million
Tom Gordon - $5.5 million
Geoff Jenkins - $5 million
Jamie Moyer - $3.5 million
Pedro Feliz - $3 million
J.C. Romero - $3 million
Wes Helms - $2.15 million
Jayson Werth - $1.7 million
Ryan Madson - $1.4 million
So Iguchi - $1.05 million
Chad Durbin - $900,000
Eric Bruntlett - $600,000
Chris Snelling - $450,000
Shane Victorino - $410,000
Cole Hamels - $400,000
Clay Condrey - $385,000
Chris Coste - $385,000
Greg Dobbs - $385,000
Fabio Castro - $383,000
Kyle Kendrick - $385,000
J.D. Durbin - $380,000
Anderson Garcia - $380,000
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