35 Reasons to Believe

The Phanatic Magazine kicked off its 35 straight days of Phillies on February 25, one article per day detailing each member battling for position as the season begins. Also, look for Michael Rushton's season outlook, which will cap the offseason look at the Phillies on Opening Day -- April 2nd against Atlanta.

DAY 19: Jayson Werth

By Steve Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine

For what it’s worth, Pat Gillick sees something he likes in Jayson Werth.

Gillick was with the Orioles in 1997 when they signed Werth, and Gillick is the biggest reason Werth is down in Clearwater today.

Werth missed the 2006 season after having two surgeries for a torn ligament in his left wrist, the first of which “didn’t work.”

The 28-year-old right fielder said the problem was “hard to find and hard to fix,” but he’s healthy now and vying for a spot on the Phillies’ bench, if not at Triple-A Ottawa.

For what else it’s worth, Phils’ skipper Charlie Manuel called Werth “a valuable player that has good power at the plate and can play different positions.”

The latter, at least, was evidenced in his last major-league season, where he played in 102 games for the Dodgers in 2005, making 37 starts in right field, 23 in center and 36 in left.

He entered 2006 as the potential starting left fielder for LA, but injuries throughout the season hampered his progress.

He should fit well with another Phillies’ outfielder, however – he struck out 114 times in 337 at-bats, hitting just .234.

So far this spring, he’s ahead of his pace: In nine games he’s gone 6-for-21 (.286) with two RBIs. And he’s only struck out five times, so maybe he’s got that a bit more under control.

He seems healthy, but the Phillies are still wary of his wrist and are bringing him along slowly. He’ll most likely start the season in Ottawa.

But for Werth, the equation is simple.

More hits + less strikeouts = roster spot. For what it’s worth.

Tomorrow: Abraham Nunez