Werth Takes His Talents To D.C., Phils' Fans React
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Phillies fans knew there was a good chance Jayson Werth would be headed somewhere else. But they did not think it would be to a team within the division and especially not the Washington Nationals.
Most fans are sorry to see Werth leave Philadelphia but some say he is doing this for all of the wrong reasons.
"He's doing it for the almighty dollar. You know, who cares about another championship? It's just to get over $100 million. They're an awful team and he's going to be apart of an awful team," said one fan.
This fan is appreciative of Werth's contributions to the Phillies' recent stretch of success:
"Do I respect the man? Yeah, I'll always respect him. When he comes back to Philly am I gonna cheer him? Absolutely. Do I respect the decision? Eh, not so much. I'd rather have him on my team," said another fan.
Jim from South Philadelphia says you can't blame him for signing the deal. "I think Jayson Werth did a good thing. He has a ring, but how many people wouldn't take that kind of money? You've got to go with the money."
Call it sour grapes if you want, but many Phillies fans think the Nationals are drastically overpaying for an outfielder who will be 32 in May and in his late 30s when the contract runs its full course. It is also a move that fans say is silly for a team like Washington that has so many other needs.
Reported by Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio
