Jayson Werth

2013

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2012

Werth's first season in Washington was a struggle in terms of power and batting average. His ISO dropped from .236 in 2010 to .157, and his weighted OBA dropped 64 points. An increase in strikeouts (24.7 percent rate), and groundballs (career high 43.7 percent rate), were responsible for the drop in batting average. His swinging-strike rate for 2011 was a career low 6.7 percent, and he did walk in over 11 percent of his plate appearances. Look for a rebound in 2012 with 25 home runs and a .350 OBP.

2011

Werth put together another solid year for the Phillies in 2010 and was rewarded in December with a seven-year, $126 million deal from the Nationals. The multi-talented Werth has power, speed, a good eye at the plate and plays good defense in right field. Unfortunately for Werth, the move to DC takes him out of a homer-friendly home park in Philadelphia to a more spacious ballpark this season. He is also joining a weaker lineup so it wouldn't be surprising to see his numbers dip a bit this year. Despite that, Werth figures to remain one of the more valuable outfielders thanks to his ability to contribute to all five standard rotisserie categories.

2010

Werth broke out in a big way last season, hitting 36 home runs, barely missing 100 RBI and runs scored and stealing 20 bases. In addition to power, Werth also has a good eye at the plate which could lead to a slightly improved batting average this season. He's probably one of the more underrated players in the game given his level of production because he is overshadowed by some of the other big offensive stars on the Phillies. Expect Werth to command big bucks or an early draft slot in fantasy leagues this year as he has that rare combination of power and speed.

2009

Werth was a valuable pickup and helped plenty of fantasy teams succeed down the stretch last season. Werth platooned with Geoff Jenkins in right field for the first half of the season but took over the job after the All-Star break and concluded the 2008 season batting .273 with 24 home runs, 67 RBI, 73 runs and 20 stolen bases. If you're looking for something negative, he struck out 119 times in 418 at-bats, though that total should decline somewhat as he continues to mature at the plate. He'll enter 2009 as the starter and has legit 30-30 potential if he can log 500-plus at-bats.

2008

Werth had a solid 2007 season, hitting .298, with 76 hits in 255 AB. He made some nice plays giving the Phils solid defense in right field. In 128.2 innings he had 35 PO, two Assists, one DP and no errors. The make-up of the Phillies outfield is a little up in the air, but expect to see Werth at least platoon in right.

2007

After showing considerable promise in 2004, Werth hasn't been the same since an A.J. Burnett fastball broke his wrist in spring 2005. Two surgeries and a lost season later, he is back taking batting practice and hopes to be ready to start 2007. He signed with the Phillies this offseason and will work in a reserve role initially.

2006

Werth isn't expected to be ready for the start of the season after offseason surgery on a wrist injury that went misdiagnosed in 2005, worsening as the season progressed. Keep your expectations low here.

2005

One of GM Paul DePodesta's best moves was picking up Werth from Toronto prior to the start of the 2004 season. However, a torn ligament in his right elbow has put his 2005 season in doubt. Werth hopes that offseason rest will allow him to return to action this spring but surgery is still very much a possibility. He'll be a risky pick even if he doesn't have the surgery, since any aggravation could keep him out for an extended period.

2004

Werth jostled back and forth between Triple-A and the majors when injuries dictated. His season at Triple-A was terrible (.237/.285/.441), but he's shown the knack to draw walks and swat the occasional longball in the past so we'll give him a mulligan here. Following the trade of Bobby Kielty, he has the inside track to stick as the reserve outfielder until Gabe Gross is ready to supplant both Werth and Reed Johnson.

2003

Will get his at-bats as a reserve outfielder for Toronto, and would likely inherit a full-time role should Shannon Stewart or Jose Cruz Jr be dealt. In a part-time role, he'll get his 250 at-bats and hit .260-ish with moderate power. Given a bigger role, he'd be a nice end-gamer in fantasy leagues that count on-base percentage. He should be first in line to inherit at-bats if injuries hit the Toronto outfield or the Carlos Delgado/Josh Phelps duo at DH.