Blog Post 11 Evaluation
On the my last blog I talked about whether or not the Nationals will resign their 1st basemen Adam LaRoche. The problem is that “LaRoche wants a 3 year deal, but the Nationals are only offering him 2” (Adam Kilgore). It seems a bit silly but there is a point. There are only four infield spots, and the Nats don’t want to be locked in for three years with LaRoche when they might have better options at first base in the not too distant future. In addition to that, however, there’s also the issue of LaRoche’s age. Now 33, LaRoche is coming off a career year. He won a Gold Glove, and brought home a Silver Slugger as well, hitting 33 homers and driving in 100 runs. LaRoche might very well be able to put up similar numbers again this upcoming season, and whichever team ends up signing him will certainly hope that will be the case. But what about beyond this season? What about 2014, when he’ll be 34? What about his age-35 season in 2015?
There is also something to be said for what leadership and experience older players can offer to a team. There is a lot that goes on in the practice sessions and in the locker room where experienced players can really influence a team’s attitude (or nattitude in this case) and confidence that influences play on the field. Do you see Adam as a leader and a person who has an impact on other National teammates?