The Phillies are giving Jayson Werth something but it’s not a long-term contract -- at least right now -- that so many fans would love to see.
The Phillies said on Tuesday that they would offer arbitration to the free-agent outfielder. They would not, however, do the same for free-agent reliever Chad Durbin.
The Type-A free agent now has one week to accept or decline arbitration. If he declines -- a likely scenario -- the Phillies would get a first- or second-round 2011 draft pick from whatever team signs Werth plus a sandwich draft pick.
Werth, who expressed a desire to remain in Philadelphia after the Phillies' postseason run ended in October, is one of the marquee names in this year's free-agent market. He's been a key cog in the franchise's run of four straight National League East division titles.
Last season, Werth hit .296 with 27 home runs. Durbin, a right-hander, logged 68 2/3 innings last year, going 4-1 with a 3.80 ERA.
In the NLCS, the Phillies were eliminated by the San Francisco in six games failing to reach their third-straight World Series.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our sports newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
