The Remarkable Jayson Werth

After watching Jayson Werth demolish his second grand slam of the season tonight, Phillies fans must have wondered where this guy came from. A journeyman outfielder who was set back by a terrible wrist injury has finally received a chance to play full time. And he has exceeded expectations that were once very lofty.

Last season, Werth was slated as a platoon right fielder with Geoff Jenkins. He demanded to play full time and has shown that he is fully capable. Buried on a team that features former MVPs like Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, and one of the best players in the game in Chase Utley, Werth is often overlooked. But now, carrying the duty of the team's primary right-handed stick in the middle of a stacked line up, Jayson Werth could very well be the Phillies' MVP this season.

In what will be his highest games total in his career, 2009 has been a magnificent this year. The knocks on Werth have always been his lack of hitting against right handed pitchers and his streakiness. This season, in which Jayson earned an All Star appearance, Werth has shown that he can handle the righties. And Werth has had his most consistent seasons of his career, with his homer totals each month this season are 2, 6, 7, 7, 7, and 5. Let's take a closer look at what he has done this year, through tonight's action:

2009 Stats: 141 G, 90 R, 34 HR, 88 RBI, .272 BA

versus RHP: 137 G, 60 R, 21 HR, 53 RBI, .258 BA

Some might consider the circumstances of Werth's break-out season a byproduct of home field advantage. This is not the case, though, as Werth has put up nearly identical statistics at Citizens Bank Park and on the road. Take a look at his home/away splits:

Home: 71 G, 48 R, 19 HR, 48 RBI, .259 BA

Away: 70 G, 42 R, 15 HR, 40 RBI, .285 BA

The 30 year old outfielder has certainly also brought a professional glove with him, as always. He is versatile and has spent time at all three outfield positions this season, and never misses a beat. Despite six errors this season that have led to a modest .981 fielding percentage, Werth has a career-high 11 outfield assists this year, including four double plays. He has one of the best arms in the game, and the threat of that keeps countless runs stranded at third base. His defensive speed is the perfect compliment to Shane Victorino in center field.

In the batting line up, Werth typically hits 2nd, 5th, or 6th. It would seem logical that as he has proven his consistency, the five-hole would suit Werth and allow the Phillies to split up their lefty hitters. Additionally, he will be in prime RBI-situations and can also balance the order with his speed. As the Phillies move towards the playoffs, it would make sense, especially against teams with multiple lefties in their pens, to use this configuration. However, based on the results of the 2009 season, it really doesn't matter where Jayson Werth hits, throws, or plays; he will be great.