Once the Nationals let Adam Dunn go to the Chicago White Sox this summer, there was a tremendous hole left at first base. The Nationals, at least reportedly, are inching closer to filling that empty spot on their depth chart. According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, the Nationals and free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche are still in discussions for a contract.
While there is apparently no timetable in place, LaRoche and the Nationals remain "in discussions," one team source said. The source requested anonymity because the negotiations are ongoing.
LaRoche seems to fit the description perfectly of what the Nationals are looking for in a first baseman. He is an above average defesive first baseman, and would provide some pop from the left side of the plate in a pretty righty-heavy lineup.
LaRoche had been in discussions with the Orioles before those talks broke down and they decided to go with Derrek Lee, another player the Nationals may have been targeting. As for his production.
Last season, LaRoche hit .261/.320/.468 (average/on-base/slugging) with 25 home runs and 100 RBIs for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his eight-year career, mostly with the Braves and Pirates, LaRoche has hit .271/.339./488 with an average of 26 home runs and 93 RBIs per season.
Where do I sign up? Seems liek the perfect guy, of those who are left anyway, to take Adam Dunn's spot in the field and in the lineup. Let's hope this deal comes through.