Werth wins Unsung Star for MLB in ’09

Jayson Werth dominated in the regular season (36 HRs, 99 RBIs, 20 SB, 98 Runs, 91 BB), he dominated in the post season (7 HRs, .403 OBP, 13 RBIs) and now he has dominated in Unsung Star voting – receiving 3 times the number of votes of the #2 candidate, Mark Reynolds of the Diamondbacks (no known relation to the legendary Reynolds athletes of Virginia, IL).

Here’s the video recognizing Jayson for this award and essentially declaring him the most underrated player in baseball (although he’s becoming too popular to keep that title for long).  Also, for all of you Jay Werth Phanatics, the Phillies recently published an article recalling his 4 steal performance (including 3 bases in one inning) back in May of this year.

Our congratulations go out to Jayson Werth for the final time this year – and what an eventful year it was.  Please feel free to congratulate him yourself on January 30th at Capital City Cage Wars IV.   Tickets are available here.

Jayson Werth is a member of 28 Productions which produces Capital City Cage Wars.

Vote Jayson Werth for “Unsung Star” Award

Jayson Werth has just come off of the best season of his career.  Of course the Phillies were disappointed that they fell a  couple of games short to the team everyone loves to hate.  But, without a doubt, it was a great season for Jayson and the fighting Phils.

Looking forward, it appears there are more good times to come for Philadelphia fans as they have resigned their ace, Cliff Lee, and have the core of their roster returning next season (including Jay who just finished the first season on his 2 year contract).

I was checking out the Phillies site the other morning and noticed that it’s time for MLB to hand out some year-end  awards.  They have numerous categories, but the one that stood out to me was that of “Unsung Star”.  When I clicked on that link to view the nominees, it was no surprise to see local All Star Jayson Werth on the list.

Jay is playing on a Phillies team which put over half of their starting squad in the All Star game, has two golden glove winners, a silver slugger winner and the NL leader in RBIs.  So, it’s pretty obvious how Werth can sometimes get lost in the mix a bit despite being an All Star who put up big numbers this season with 36 HRs, 99 RBIs, 98 Runs, 91 BB, 20 SBs and a glove and arm which certainly made him a golden glove contender as well.

I thought the announcers gave Jay a lot of well-deserved recognition during the World Series.  They were praising his game at every at bat – even describing him as the “most athletic player on the Phillies”.

But, it wasn’t until the post season that he was really receiving such recognition.  And, his talents were pretty hard to ignore this October with 7 post season home runs (the MLB post season record is eight) and multiple game winning performances.

Anyway, if you can spare two minutes, please go vote for our local All Star for the “Unsung Star” award.  Voting ends Dec. 11th.

Werthy of a Repeat – Phils are NL Champs and heading to the World Series

The Philadelphia Phillies have done it again!  Jayson Werth hit 2 home runs with 4 RBIs and 3 runs to lead the Phils to a victory over the L.A. Dodgers, 10-4, in Game 5 of the NLCS.  Now, they play in the World Series next week against LA or New York.

The Phillies were down 1-0 going into the latter part of the introductory inning on a solo shot.  But, they wouldn’t be down for long.  With two men out, All Star Chase Utley drew a walk to put a man on for the Phillies consistent run producer, Ryan Howard. 

Although not officially an intentional walk, it seemed as if they were pitching around Howard – throwing him 4 straight balls (all of which were inside with a few nearly hitting him).

Next up and batting 5th was Springfield native, Jayson Werth.  Jay worked the count full without having to swing.  The first 3 pitches were balls – and the pitcher had just walked two batters in a row.  Then he made him pitch two strikes.  With the count full, Jay roped a drive down the 3rd base line foul.  But, the next pitch, he took deep into right center field and sent the fans into a frenzy.  

After that 3 run bomb, the Phillies never looked back.  Last year’s World Champions would log 3 more home runs in the game, and Jay would end up scoring 2 more runs (from first base off a double by Ibanez, and on his second HR – a solo shot in the 7th which is pictured below).

I can’t do the game justice with my summary.  For a more detailed account of the entire game, click here.  But, long story short, it’s a good time to be a champaign, cigar or beer salesman in the city of Philadelphia.

If the Phillies are successful in winning this World Series, they will be the 4th team in the history of the National League to ever win back to back World Champtionships.  The three who have done it:  1975-76 Reds, 1921-22 Giants, and the 1907-08 Cubs .

I liked this particular sound bite from Werth after the game:

“I was in a unique situation coming here to really see a transformation on both ends — not only the organization, but the fans and the city.  I feel like I was here for the old Philly and the old Phillies, and I’m here for the new Philly and the new Phillies.”

Jayson is pictured below with his wife, Julia.  Jayson Werth is a member of 28 Productions which produces Capital City Cage Wars.

Werth with game wining hit as Phillies advance to the NLCS in dramatic fashion

The Phillies showed amazing composure this past Monday night under the most extreme of conditions, reminding us why everyone loves October baseball!  Up 2 to 1 in a best of 5 series, the Phillies were down 4-2 in the top of the 9th inning with two outs.

With a man on first and the count worked full, the baseball’s best 2nd baseman, Chase Utley, was able to draw the walk to put two men on for the big guy, Ryan Howard.

Howard, the NL RBI leader (141), hit a rocket into the outfield which would score both runners and leave him in scoring position with a double.  Next to take his place at the plate was local All Star, Jayson Werth. 

Werth would battle several pitches before landing one in an open spot in the outfield for what  would prove to be the game winning hit (pictured above).  It was a big night for Werth who had already belted a solo HR in the 6th, his second of the series where he batted .357 with 5R and 4RBI. 

Once again, celebration was in order (pictured below) for the defending World Champions who had a few days off before heading to LA tonight.  Game time is 7:07 CST on TBS. 

Jayson Werth is a member of 28 Productions which promotes Capital City Cage Wars (CCCW).

Phillies clinch playoff berth with 3rd consecutive East Division Title

The Phillies clinched their division in Philly last night against the Houston Astros.  This is the 3rd consecutive East Division Title for the club and the defending world champs appear very confident in thier quest to retain their title. 

If the Phillies are successful in securing another World Series Championship, they will be the first team to repeat since the New York Yankees did it 3 times at the turn of the century and the first National League team to accomplish this feat since the Cincinnati Reds in ’75-’76.

Our congrats go out to Springfield native, Jayson Werth, who has had a career year with 36 home runs, 99 RBI’s, 98 Runs and 20 stolen bases this season.  He is pictured above in “modest” celebration.  Jayson is a member of 28 Productions.

Werth named NL Player of the Week

Jayson Werth earned National League Player of the Week honors on Monday for a big week last week.

Werth led the Majors with five home runs and 29 total bases. He hit .440 (11-for-25) and led the NL with a 1.160 slugging percentage. He also tied for the league lead with nine RBIs while scoring seven runs and collecting three doubles to go along with a .481 on-base percentage.

Werth entered Monday’s series finale against the Mets at Citi Field hitting .271 with 29 home runs and 79 RBIs. He has already set career highs in homers, RBIs, extra-base hits (52), runs (80), walks (67) and hits (118).  He is on pace to finish the season with 39 homers and 106 RBIs.

Others considered for the award were Mets second baseman Luis Castillo, St. Louis Cardinals righty Chris Carpenter, Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Diaz and teammate Adam LaRoche and Philadelphia lefty Cliff Lee.

Jayson Werth is a member of 28 Productions which produces Capital City Cage Wars.

Werth now an All Star

Springfield native and Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, Jayson Werth, is now officially an All Star.  Jay appeared in his first ever All Star game this past July  at Busch Stadium following a stellar first half of the season.

Werth was a big part of the Phillies championship team last season, and a contender for World Series MVP.  So, expectations were high for Jayson this season.  

The pressure doesn’t seem to bother Jay much as he’s embarking on a career year.  He currently  has over 20 home runs, 70 RBIs and 70 Runs. 

 Werth has been on many sports fans radar for some time with a number of special performances and beneath the surface statistics:  a 3 HR/8RBI game; stealing 2nd, 3rd and home in the same inning; leading the NL in HR off of left handed pitching in the 2008 season (15); currently leading the NL in pitches per at bat (4.50).   And, now, he has been handsomely rewarded by manager Charlie Manual with this great honor.  

“He said, ‘You’re my guy,’ ” Werth said. “When you’ve been through everything I’ve been through, and taken the road I’ve taken, to get looked in your eye by your manager and he tells you, ‘I’m taking you because you’re my guy,’ that kind of hits home and it means a lot. I’ve played for three different big-league teams, and I’ve gotten along with my managers everywhere I’ve been. But to have Charlie tell me that I’m his guy and he’s taking me with him, that’s a pretty big moment for me.”

It was also a nice feather in the cap for a loaded Phillies team who sent all 3 outfielders to the big game.   This marked the first time since 1995 that 3 outfielders from a single team were all on the All Star team.  The future looks bright for Jayson and the Philadelphia squad who many are favoring to at least win the National League.

 Jayson Werth is a member of 28 Productions which promotes Capital City Cage Wars.