(Jayson Werth chats up Bryce Harper. Screengrab via MLB.com.)
...but only because they didn't re-sign him?
Hey, look: Thomas Boswell's Sunday piece in the Washington Post on Jayson Werth included several incendiary quotes from Nats GM Mike Rizzo and Werth professing hatred of the Phillies:
Once Werth got back behind the cage, Rizzo said, "I hate the [expletive] Phillies." The GM then ran off a list of borderline dirty plays and purpose pitches in recent years by the Nats' nemesis."I hate the Phillies, too," said Werth. Unspoken, but hanging in the air was a new idea for the Nats: So, let's play more like the Phillies: mean, grimy and a little nasty. (via Thomas Boswell/Washington Post, 2/27/2011)
Not sure what list Rizzo is talking about, but the sentiment (although appreciated) seems a bit strange coming from Werth. Keep in mind, this is the same guy who just last week complained to Philadelphia writers that the Phillies botched a chance to sign both he AND Cliff Lee, and then apparently insinuated to SI.com's Jon Heyman that he would've signed with the Red Sox if they had been willing to go to six years:
Jayson werth said he had "great" meeting w/ #redsox and figured he'd go if they offered 6 yrs. They offerred 5. Got 7 w #nats.
(via @SI_JonHeyman, 2/25/2011)
And don't forget that December interview Werth did with WIP radio in Philly; you know, the one where he professed his love for the City of Brotherly Love:
"I loved playing in Philadelphia. I thought that was one good thing staying in the division; I get to play in Citizens Bank Park that many more times."
(Jayson Werth, via WIP radio, 12/17/2010)
In the wake of Werth's Philly-hatin' comments in the Post on Sunday, Philly sports blog Crossing Broad suggests that the Nationals have become a rival of the Phillies. But sadly, until the Nationals start winning, any "rivalry" in this case resembles that of a hammer and nail. Yeah, we hate 'em -- just have a hard time believing Werth hates 'em for any reason beyond Ruben Amaro Jr.'s decision to no pay up. But take it slow, Mr. Werth, you've got plenty of time to become one of us.
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Who cares? Its more important that Rizzo said it first and was vehement about it. Its also important to note that Riggleman would never say any such thing. Not ever. The real question you need to be asking is why is Jim Riggleman still managing the Washington Nationals?
Posted by: Anonymi | February 28, 2011 at 12:35 PM