Phillies faithful can’t stop booing Werth

Werth helped the Phillies win the 2008 World Series, but fans still hold a grudge for him leaving for the Nationals.

The way Phillies fans boo Jayson Werth, you would think he cost them a championship. But the opposite is true. Werth helped the Phillies win the 2008 World Series.

But apparently fans have issues with Werth leaving for the Nationals after he signed a ridiculous $127-million contract. Maybe some of the vocal faithful are upset about Werth’s disgust after fans taunted him when he broke his wrist last season in D.C.

“After walking off the field feeling nauseous knowing my wrist was broke and hearing Philly fans yelling, ‘you deserve it’ and ‘that’s what you get.’ I am motivated to get back quickly and see to it personally those people never walk down Broad Street in celebration again.”

Can you blame Werth for firing back after being kicked while he was down? The reality is that Werth knows most Phillies fans still appreciate his efforts.

“I’m aware that many, many Phillies fans like what I did when I played for the Phillies,” Werth said. “I won a championship here. I had some of my greatest times ever playing the game right here in Philadelphia. You don’t ever forget that.”

The guarded Werth isn’t easy to get to know but once you do, you’re privy to provocative and often humorous commentary. “I’m just who I am,” he said.

In August 2010, a Sports Illustrated scribe tried and failed to build a rapport with Werth, who urinated all over the writer. When I asked Werth what he thought of the story, he laughed.

“I didn’t read it,” Werth said. “Who cares?”

When Werth returned to Philadelphia as a National in April 2011, he was detailing hightlights from his life-changing winter when two Phillies beat writers interrupted.

“Can’t you see I’m talking to someone,” Werth growled. “I just wanted to tell you where to get the best slice of pizza in Washington,” the frazzled writer uttered.

After the pair was dismissed, Werth shook his head. “Do they really think I’m going to go out and get a slice of pizza in D.C.,” Werth said.

“No, ” I said. “They think you’re going to buy the chain.”

Werth laughed and when I think back, I can’t help but miss Werth’s caustic sense of humor, his blunt responses and his music views (he couldn’t get enough of Kings of Leon). And the Phillies miss his bat, athleticism and ability to work a pitcher.

“Can you imagine him in the outfield with [Dominic] Brown and [Ben] Revere,” a NL scout said. “That’s an instant upgrade.”

Dream on Phillies fans.

Funny prank or sabotage?

Did Jayson Werth cause the Phillie Phanatic’s ATV to break down?

The former Phillie was messing with the lovable mascot Monday night when his cart wouldn’t start. Last season, Werth stole the keys. If you haven’t seen the video, check it out on MLB.com. The Phillies beat the Nationals, 5-4.

Good news, Phillies fans: Carlos Ruiz is back.

The injured catcher was activated Tuesday from the disabled list. He started behind the plate and batted eighth for the Phillies. To make room, the team optioned catcher Steven Lerud to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Ruiz, who was dealing with a right hamstring strain, had been on the DL since May 21. He had been scheduled for a rehab assignment in Reading.

Meanwhile, the Phillies said Chase Utley is expected to make a rehab assignment in the next few days. Utley is dealing with a strained oblique muscle.