Werth Declines Arbitration, Leaves Phillies with a Win-Win Situation
By: Mike Reisman
Just before the clock struck midnight Tuesday, Jayson Werth decided that arbitration was not for him and declined the offer the Phillies gave him just over a week ago. The decision was expected and surprised almost nobody in the baseball world. Had Werth agreed, he would have been given a one year deal, with the dollar amount determined by an arbitrator.
Of course, this brings somewhat sad news that now the Phillies will have to give a very high amount of money to Werth to keep him, however, there could not be any better news in my mind. Can anybody really imagine what it would be like next year if Werth had agreed? Does anybody want to have to go through this process again? I certainly do not. So now if the Phillies do somehow manage to re-acquire Jayson, it will be, yes for a higher price, but also for many more years, saving us the drama of the re-signing process. Also, if he does not sign with the Phillies as expected, the Phillies will receive two very high draft picks in the 2011 first year player draft from his new team. With an aging core, these picks could help the Phillies get some players to fill the holes that will be left when players like Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez become too old. Basically, whatever happens with Werth from here on out, will be a good thing for the Phillies.