Jayson Werth

Position: Rightfield

Height, weight: 6-5, 218 pounds

Age: 31. Birthdate: May 20, 1979

Hometown: Springfield, Ill.

Years pro: 8

How obtained: Acquired as a free agent in December 2006.

Statistically speaking: Werth is hitting .270 away from Citizens Bank Park this year which isn't bad but certainly less than his stellar .320 average at home. In 37 postseason games Werth is a .283 hitter with 11 home runs and 21 RBIs. He's done most of that damage in the NLDS with the Dodgers and Phillies hitting .291 with five home runs.

The lineage: Werth comes from a strong athletic background and his natural ability shines through on the field. In terms of baseball, his grandfather, Dick "Ducky" Schofield, played in the major leagues for 19 years. His Dick Schofield, played professionally for 14 years. That said Werth's mother may be the best athlete of the group. Kim Schofield Werth, competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials in the long jump and 100 meters.

Still a Bulldawg: Until the Baltimore Orioles signed Werth as a catcher, he had every intention of attending the University of Georgia where he had signed a letter of intent. Werth on many occasions has worn a black Georgia baseball during interviews, backwards of course.

The injury: Werth underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn ligament in his wrist on Nov. 17, 2005. He had second surgery the following April and his career remained in limbo until the Phillies, under the guidance of then general manager Pat Gillick, took a chance and signed him as a free agent in 2007.

Free agency: Phillies fans are convinced that Werth, who will finally get to test free agency this winter in what looks to be his one and only real chance at a big contract, is playing out his final few days in a Phillies uniform this postseason. This fear was only magnified after he signed with agent Scott Boras in late August. "Being in the situation that I'm in, having never gone into free agency, over the past few months, I just thought it was time to make the switch. I went with Boras Corporation, I think it's the best place for me right now. I don't think it has anything to do with anything other than wanting the best representation going into free agency."

- Michael Radano