The W & W Boys

With the Hot Stove warming up, there were a few pieces of Nats news over the past day.  One, from impeccable source Jon Heyman, notes that it is possible that Jayson Werth returns to the Nats on a one year deal.  The other, from John Feinstein (a New York Yankee reporter), was about the status of Matt Wieters, who has an option to extend his contract for one year.  Feinstein at first reported on Friday that Wieters had opted to return to the Nats; a few hours later this report was revoked.

I personally hope both Werth and Wieters return next season.

I don't know why a certain portion of the fan base has turned on Jayson Werth.   Even injured, he remained the heart and soul of the team in 2017.  He was performing at a good rate before an early June injury in Oakland.  When he returned ,he had one monster game against the Marlins, but struggled the rest of the year at the bat. He also will be remembered not so fondly for missing a ball in the lights in Game 5.  But are two off months enough to write off Jayson Werth?  Not to me.  He's done so much for the organization, is a fan favorite, a leader in the clubhouse.   This is said to be a 'must' year for the Nats in 2018.  Do you rip the heart out of an organization by letting a team leader go in a 'must' year?   Does Werth have the physical ability to bounce back after an injury riddled season?   Don't bet against Jayson. 

I also hope Matt Wieters returns.   How many times during 2017 have the top Nats pitchers praised the pitch calling of Matt Wieters.  You know, guys like Strasburg and Scherzer.   Wieters also fielded the position much better than his predessor. Apparently Buffaloes can't catch a throw from a cut off man when there is a play at the plate.  Wieters made a lot of good plays throughout the season and seemed to be steady force that the Nats have lacked since the carefree days of Brian Schneider.  I know his batting was not good the second half, but perhaps with a little more rest and another year under his belt in the Senior Circuit, his batting stats go back up to Wieters norms.  Who's the alternative if Wieters walks?  Pedro Severino?  He didn't do anything to improve his stock this past season?  Wellington Castillo?  No, thanks.  

Both of the W&W boys have the 'clutch' gene, too.  That thing you can't quantify by logging onto BaseballReference.com   When the game is on the line, I'll take Werth or Wieters in the batters box over many others.  

Sometimes the best change is no change at all.   I hope the Nats keep these two valuable veterans around for the all important 2018 season.