Why Jayson Werth Is “Werth It”

Jayson Werth has proven himself as being “Werth It” in Philadelphia time and time again, and last night he made sure no one would forget it!

While Pedro Feliz stood in the batter’s box, Werth stole second, then stole third, and when catcher Russell Martin flipped the ball back to pitcher Ronald Belisario after a routine pitch, Werth was sliding into home.

The “Puma-like creature” was safe at the plate on the rare steal, tying the Philadelphia Phillies team record of four stolen bases in a single game as the Phillies rolled over the Dodgers 5-3.

In a game that opened with tension in the Phillies dugout after Jimmy Rollins was dropped from the leadoff spot, Werth stole more bases than he did all season.

“I guess he was feeling frisky or had a lot of energy,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “He wanted to run.”

According to ESPN, No Phillie had stolen home since 2007, and Pete Rose was the last one to steal three bases in an inning (1980).

Werth has tallied 21 total RBIs so far this season for the Phils, currently one short of Ryan Howard (22), and sits with a hearty .395 OBP so far on the year.

Stolen bases haven’t been the only record Werth has tied while wearing a Phillies “uni”.  On May 16, 2008, Werth had a career night against the Blue Jays, hitting three home runs , including a grand slam, a three-run home run, and a solo shot which put him one “round-tripper” short of hitting for the “homer cycle”. In doing so, he tied the Phillies team record that night with 8 RBIs in a single game.

Watching Werth from the seats during that misty night was nothing short of remarkable. Looking back, it felt as if the WS Championship was already “on ice”.

Whether it be running into walls to make a potential game saving play, stealing three bases (including home) in one inning, or Jayson Werth just being Jayson Werth, “the Puma” has been getting it done for the Phils in dramatic fashion.

As the rest of May unfolds look for Werth to charge both the defense and offense for the Phillies. If you ever had the chance to see Jayson play you will understand exactly why he is “Werth It”.