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Werth declines Phillies' arbitration offer

Jayson Werth has taken another step toward becoming a former Phillie. As expected, Werth declined the Phillies' offer of salary arbitration before the midnight deadline Tuesday night in what was largely a procedural move.

Free agent Jayson Werth declined the Phillies' offer of salary arbitration. (Ron Cortes/Staff File Photo)
Free agent Jayson Werth declined the Phillies' offer of salary arbitration. (Ron Cortes/Staff File Photo)Read more

Jayson Werth has taken another step toward becoming a former Phillie.

As expected, Werth declined the Phillies' offer of salary arbitration before the midnight deadline Tuesday night in what was largely a procedural move.

The Phillies still can negotiate with Werth and agent Scott Boras, but the move means that if Werth signs elsewhere, the Phillies will receive two high draft picks, because Werth is classified as a Type A free agent. The Phillies would get the top pick from the team that signs Werth - either a first- or second-rounder - and then a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds.

Had Werth accepted, he would have agreed to a 1-year deal with the salary set by an arbitration panel after he and the team exchanged figures.

Werth clearly will receive more than a 1-year deal on the open market, with some reports suggesting he is seeking a 6-year pact.

Of the 25 players offered arbitration, only Texas righthander Frank Francisco and Toronto reliever Jason Frasor accepted.

Moyer surgery

Jamie Moyer underwent succesful Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left arm in New York, according to his foundation. The surgery was performed by Dr. David Alchek.

Moyer, 48, remains undaunted about a return in 2012.

"Thanks to the advances in surgery, many pitchers have made successful returns to the mound after undergoing surgery similar to mine," Moyer is quoted as saying in a statement. "I look forward to the challenge of making a comeback for the 2012 season. I love this game and I still believe I can be a successful pitcher in the big leagues.

"Prior to the injury, I was feeling great and throwing well. I want to thank everyone for the kind words and good wishes."

Moyer, who injured the elbow in July with the Phillies, was pitching in the Dominican Republic in winter ball when he suffered the latest injury in his third start. *