Werth selected as Nats' nominee for Hank Aaron Award

Major League Baseball announced today that Jayson Werth has been selected as the Nationals' nominee for the 2013 Hank Aaron Award, which recognizes the most outstanding offensive performer in each league. Fans can place their vote for the award here through Oct. 10 by visiting MLB.com. The winners of the 2013 Hank Aaron Award will be announced during the World Series. Werth hit .318 with 25 home runs, a team-leading 82 RBI, 24 doubles, 60 walks and 84 runs scored in 129 games this season. He was the only player to rank in the top five in the National League in OPS (third, .931), slugging percentage (third, .532), batting average (fifth) and on-base percentage (fifth, .398). "Jayson was consistently fantastic this season not only at the plate, but in the field, on the basepaths, and in the clubhouse," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement. "He answered the call wherever he was asked to hit in the lineup, batting in every spot from leadoff through the six-hole. The essence of Jayson is that he is selfless and will do whatever it takes to win a game. He's the ultimate teammate." The Hank Aaron Award was established in 1999 to honor the 25th Anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record. Past winners of the award include: Miguel Cabrera and Buster Posey (2012), Jose Bautista and Matt Kemp (2011), Bautista and Joey Votto (2010); Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols (2009); Aramis Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis (2008); Alex Rodriguez and Prince Fielder (2007); Jeter and Ryan Howard (2006); David Ortiz and Andruw Jones (2005); Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds (2004); Rodriguez and Pujols (2003); Rodriguez and Bonds (2001-02); Carlos Delgado and Todd Helton (2000) and Manny Ramirez and Sammy Sosa (1999). "It is a great honor that Major League Baseball recognizes the most outstanding offensive performer in each League with an award in my name," Hank Aaron said in a statement. "The game is full of so many talented players today that I am thankful my fellow Hall of Famers and the fans assist in selecting the much deserving winners."