Werth_media

UPDATE: Werth was even more candid on 610 with Howard Eskin.

About the guy who caught Juan Uribe’s home run:

"I was mad at the guy who caught it for not knocking it back into the park, but I’ve been told I can’t interact with fans anymore… so I didn’t say anything."

 

Obviously referring to the fan he yelled at for interfering with a foul ball.

Giving the Phillies a hometown discount:

"I grew up in Springfield, Ill."

 

Gone.

The Phillies:

"Ownership has done a great job of increasing payroll since I got here.  Although, I didn’t really agree with the Cliff Lee deal, I agree with Roy Halladay."

 

Who doesn’t?

…

Jayson Werth met with the media today at CBP, just an hour after Ruben Amaro sat in the very same seat.

He talked about his upcoming free agency, his time in Philly, the fans, his grandparents, leaves, and Todd Zolecki's boyish face.  Not one of those topics elicited a comment that made it sound like he was going to play in Philadelphia next year.

First and foremost, Werth was clearly disappointed that the season was over.

"It was emotional. It was just so unexpected.  Definitely didn't see ourselves in that position.  I was driving in today and noticed the leaves changing , the leaves were falling for the first time.  I had tunnel vision until now."

 

My feeling exactly, Jayson Werth.  Something about the season ending makes you realize that harsh reality that the cold weather is firmly upon us.  

About his prospects of re-signing with the Phillies:

"I've had the best time in the last four years playing baseball with these guys, in this city, in front of these fans.  I've seen quite a transformation here. Going forward, Philly will obviously be one of the teams that will be in consideration."

"It's a business. This is definitely not the same game I played in my grandparents' backyard as a kid. I've known that for a long time. In '97, I sat at my kitchen table when I was 18-years-old and negotiated my signing bonus. I've known since back then this is a business."

"Since coming here, the club has done an unbelievable job, they've taken the necessary steps to create a winning atmosphere.  The fans are happy.  They sold out every night.  From the economics side of the club, I would think they're in good shape, and probably could sign whoever they want. Whether or not that’s me, we'll have to wait and see."

“These are all things that we’ll have to look at after the World Series.  I’m all ears. I’m open to anything.”

 

Yeah, he's gone.

His thoughts on upcoming free agency:

"Yeah, absolutely [I'm looking forward to it].  It's not something everybody gets to go through.  Obviously its gonna be an exciting time.  Something I've worked for my entire life."

"I want to be evaluated equally, compared to my peers, be compensated fairly."

 

His peers make $15 million a year.

His teammates:

"We play good together.  We have something that not too many people have, or not too many teams have accomplished, or even felt.  Since coming here, I've established myself as an everyday guy."

"I don't think I'll ever be in a situation where I get to play with guys like this.  We've been together so long now."

"Stuff we've been through, came from taking this town where it hadn't won in a long time and we've won.  Quite an accomplishment and it's been done here.  To go through the parade and stuff that happened, that will never be replaced."

 

The fans:

"There's been there ups and downs I'd say.  Coming from not being anybody, to the type of guy who plays everyday and people bring signs to the field for…  Those people in right field, I'll probably never be a situation again where I'll see that again.  I'd like to get to continue that.  Something we'll wait to see."

 

His career:

"I didn't play a whole lot early in my career- the wear and tear isn't there.  I've always been a late bloomer."
"I've always kinda been a gangly, skinny kid most of my life.  As I get older, I'm going to get bigger and stronger.  I actually felt faster this year than years before."

"My grandfather played 17 years in the big leagues and my uncle played 13.  I think longevity is on my side."

"After this contract, I still feel like I've got another one after this.  I've always said, I'm going to play into my 40's."

 

His season:

"This year was just a little bit different, I think I raked with nobody on base and guys on first or something like that.  I think it was a short time period to look at.  The numbers are the numbers.  Does it have anything to do with switching agents?  Who knows.  There was a point in time when things clicked back on there at the end of the year.  Think I played pretty well the last couple months.  It's the type of player I am.  I get hot, get cold, streaky."

 

Will he watch the World Series?

"I'll be interested to see Cliff pitch game 1."

 

He can watch him next year from right field in Yankee Stadium (heyyo!).

Perhaps fittingly, the beard brough it full circle.  Back on February 22nd, the 2010 season un-officially began for the fans with this tweet of Werth's beard from Phillies.com writer Todd Zolecki. Zolecki got the last question and asked about the future of the beard.

"I don't know, Todd.  But I'll be sure to email you and tell you."

 

Someone says that there are teams that don't allow facial hair [Yankees]:

Oh there is?  

 

Someone else mentions Zolecki growing a beard, Werth jokes:

"Todd can't grow a beard, there's no way.  How old are you, Todd?  Have a good day."

 

And with that, the Jayson Werth era, the best four-year stretch in franchise history, likely came to an end.

Thanks to Ryan Lawrence of the Delco Times, and Philly Sports Daily for some of the quotes.