Werth proving his worth to Nats' owner

NEW YORK -- Principal owner Mark Lerner was asked which player on the Nationals impressed him the most this season and he mentioned several players, including Anthony Rendon, Tanner Roark and Taylor Jordan.

"It's awesome to watch young guys get up here. Let's see what they have. It just makes us better for years to come," Lerner said.

Most of the conversation was about Jayson Werth, who was second in the National League with a .328 batting average entering Wednesday's action against the Mets. The Nationals signed Werth to a seven-year, $126 million contract in December, 2010. Three seasons later, the Nationals remain pleased about signing Werth to a long-term deal.

"We were always positive about Jayson," Lerner said. "What people don't realize about Jayson is, it's not only what he does on the field, it's what he does in the clubhouse. He is a real leader, a true professional. We are glad he is a member of the Nationals.

"He helped bring the culture of winning that we now have. Even when he is on the disabled list, he is always there, encouraging the guys, doing the things he needs to do as a leader. That is so important."