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Werth ready to help lead Nationals out of wilderness

WASHINGTON - Two hours before the Phillies' news conference to show off the newly reacquired Cliff Lee, former Phillie Jayson Werth was introduced as the newest member of the Washington Nationals' outfield.

WASHINGTON - Two hours before the Phillies' news conference to show off the newly reacquired Cliff Lee, former Phillie Jayson Werth was introduced as the newest member of the Washington Nationals' outfield.

It was just one of many times that Werth's former team seemed to overshadow his new one during Wednesday's news conference.

"I missed that in Philly: What happened?" Werth said, straight-faced to the first reporter who asked him about Lee's return.

Other comments about his former team included a reference to Jamie Moyer, recent postseason successes, and how the Nationals' lineup compares to their National League East rival's.

"I've definitely moved on and I'm excited about being a National," Werth said. "Obviously the news in Philadelphia - they got their boy back, I guess."

"That's fine. It's good. If you are going to be the best, you have to beat the best," he added.

In between fielding questions about his former team, Werth stressed that the Nationals' young talent and potential were a major reason he signed with the team.

"Baseball is a funny thing, it has ups and downs," Werth said "One thing I saw with the Nationals teams over the past few seasons, playing against them, is just a grittiness and will to win, although they have had some rough seasons the past few years."

"They have some talent, it's very young and unpolished. That's one thing I look forward to helping along the way," he added.

Werth, who has played for three teams since 2002 - the Toronto Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Phillies - also stressed that his seven-year, $126 million contract's longevity provided his family with stability, something he felt he hadn't had yet in his big-league career.

In Washington, Werth is expected to play right field and bat cleanup.

The organization also hopes he will become the marquee player and offensive force the Nationals need, especially after losing Adam Dunn to free agency.

"I love hitting here, I think the numbers have shown that," Werth said of Nationals Park. "It's a good division to hit in. I'm glad I'm staying in the NL East. I know the parks, I know the teams, I know the pitchers."

"Anytime you go on the field and play for a team, there is going to be pressure," Werth said. "I'm coming to this team and this city to be involved in something much greater than we've seen here before."