During an appearance Wednesday on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo indicated that he is comfortable with Jayson Werth in center field next season.
“We see the 2013 free agent class at center field is much stronger than it is for the 2012 season,” said Rizzo. “With that in mind, we know Jayson can handle the center field position. It’s not a perfect world for us. He’s a good defender out there and is ready, willing and able to take on the responsibility to play center field. We recognize that we need a true gliding, defensive, rangy center fielder out there in a perfect world. As far as the 2012 season, we’re not going to make a kneejerk reaction and lock ourselves into anything long-term if it doesn’t make sense for us.” Werth played 19 games in center field last season, but whether he spends the majority of his time there in 2012 will likely depend on when Bryce Harper will be ready for the big leagues. As of now, it appears they are willing to give the 19-year-old a chance to win the starting right field job during spring training.
Source: masnsports.com