Jayson Werth: Will He Be Worth the Washington Nationals' Price?

The Washington Nationals have worked hard to improve their ball club this winter.

They've signed catchers Jamie Burke and Josh Bard to add depth behind the plate. They've also added infielder Eric Bruntlett and outfielder Rick Ankiel as well as pitchers Brian Bruney and Miguel Batista.

They were in talks with Kansas City to obtain Zack Greinke, but the right hander blocked the move with his no trade clause.

The biggest move of all was the signing of former Philadelphia outfielder Jayson Werth to a seven year, $126 million contract. A big bat in the middle of the Phillies order, the Nationals hope Werth can become the main man in theirs.

With the loss of Adam Dunn to free agency, the Nationals need Werth to be worth every penny. But will he be?

Consider these points:

AGE

Werth is 31-years-old. The Nationals are betting that Werth will still be a top National League bat for seven more years. While many players perform well into their late 30's or early 40's, there is very little in Werth's past to suggest this. In 2010, Werth led the National League with 46 doubles. This was the only time in his career that he's led the league in anything.

At his age, hitters have reached their prime. Worth has never hit .300 and he's never driven in 100 runs. This, while hitting in a Phillies lineup where he was the one being pitched to.

PROTECTION

Please don't get the idea that I don't think Werth is a special hitter. He certainly is. He was an All-Star in 2009 and twice has received votes for MVP. The problem in Washington is finding someone to protect him in the line up. Werth helped provide that protection for Ryan Howard with the Phillies. With no one to provide that help with the Nationals, pitchers will pitch around Werth.

INJURIES

While Werth has been healthy enough to play over 150 the last two seasons, Werth has had only one other season where he's played more than 102 games.

Jayson Werth could end up being worth every penny he's getting in Washington. Hopefully, Bryce Harper will be in the big leagues soon enough to team with Werth in that offense. The team has, however, taken a gamble. Let's hope they haven't rolled snake eyes.

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