Could the Bearded One Be Headed Out of Town?

Pitching-starved Phillies reportedly shopping free-agent-to-be Werth

Jayson Werth’s beard could be done in Philly.

No, we don’t have any advanced intel that Werth plans on shaving off his facial hair again. But, Werth -- the Phillies once celebrated bearded fan favorite -- appears destined to be traded, according to reports.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. was dangling his starting right fielder in an attempt to get prospects, according to ESPN’s Jayson Stark.

Werth, despite struggling during July, is a free agent to be so a team desperate for a right-handed stick could be willing to dance with Philly.

The most likely landing spot for Werth would be Tamp Bay, said Stark.

Moving the beard is tempting for Amaro because it would free up some extra cash while allowing Werth’s likely replacement in right Domonic Brown to get an earlier start in the majors than next season when he would likely take Werth’s place anyhow.

It would also bring in prospects that the Phillies could in turn ship out for a pitcher -- Houston’s Roy Oswalt, Arizona’s Dan Haren, Chicago’s Ted Lilly and Oakland’s Ben Sheets seem to be possible targets.

Right now it seems like former Double-A righty Vance Worley, who was called up to the majors for the first time, will serve as a stopgap starter until a deal is done.

Heck the Phillies could even maybe try to bring back former Opening Day starter Brett Myers -- he is 7-6 with a 3.35 ERA for the Astros and has pitched at least six innings in all 19 of his starts.

It appears, though, that Oswalt is the No. 1 target for Amaro -- Houston is in “advanced talks” with the Phils about dealing Oswalt, said the Houston Chronicle.

But the Phillies need batting right now as much as pitching. Would giving up their right-handed bat with the most homers, doubles and RBI really be a good thing?

Maybe Werth’s recent troubles -- including cursing at fans -- could spell the end of his stay in Philly.

Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline is 10 days away. It’s looking more and more that the bearded one won’t be wearing Phillies red by August.


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