As it turned out, Werth mercifully did not get any hot dogs hurled at him from the upper deck. It is hard to get that worked up about a player who helped the Phillies win four consecutive National League East titles, two NL pennants, and a World Series. Besides, he plays for a team that is 14-15 and has the history and tradition of a newly constructed apartment building.
And who can really blame Werth for taking the seven-year, $126 million deal from the Nationals? The Phillies were not willing to pay that kind of money, not even close. Think about it: Over the life of the contract, Werth will average about $111,000 per game. He has a World Series ring. So he doesn't get another. He gets something else - a ridiculously fat paycheck on the first and 15th of every month during the season until he is 38 years old.
Nevertheless, the fans did not welcome Werth with the love they typically reserve for Jim Thome or Pat Burrell. It was, at best, a mixed bag.
When Werth strolled to home plate for his first at bat, many in the still-arriving crowd booed him. He looked around at the ballpark where he had played for four glorious years, then tipped his cap, and the boos instantly either turned to or were drowned out by cheers. Another tip of the cap a few moments later and three-quarters of the fans were on their feet applauding.
Cole Hamels proceeded to walk Werth on five pitches, and then Werth stole second before getting stranded. As Werth jogged to his familiar spot in right field for the bottom of the first, fans in the nearby outfield seats started booing him again. Werth turned to look at them, putting his back to home plate, and tipped his hat again for a few seconds. Again, the boos turned to cheers.
