Opening Day 2008 was the first time in Jayson Werth‘s career where he was an opening day starting outfielder. In his first five seasons with the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Phillies, Werth had only played in one opening day, striking out in a pinch-hit appearances for Los Angeles in 2004.
Even though he was set as the opening day starter, Werth had a lot to prove to stick in the lineup. The Phillies had signed Geoff Jenkins and plugged him into the starting lineup for the next six games after opening day, so nothing was guaranteed for Werth.