Adam LaRoche to Diamondbacks 1 yr 4.5 Million with option 2011(1 M buyout)

[Milltownhooker]

Should've taken the Giants 2 yr 17.5 Million offer

http://twitter.com/BNightengale/statuses/7759657668

[trwi7]

Either LaRoche really didn't want to play for the Giants or he's an idiot.

[crewcrazy]

LaRoche thought he could get more when he declined the offer, but when the Giants went out and signed Aubrey Huff instead, suddenly he had no leverage. From the Diamondbacks' perspective, this is a great deal. He should do pretty well in that ballpark, and anytime you can get 30 HR power for $5 million, you've done good, in my opinion.

[ELCABALLO45]

Well LaRoche has only hit 30 homers once http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

But I agree. LaRoche has played (if you take out the game in Boston) in Atlanta and Pitt. He will finally be able to play in a hitters park. I really like this signing for the D-Backs.

[crewcrazy]

Well LaRoche has only hit 30 homers once http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Ha, true...I should have said 25-30 homer power, which is nothing to sniff at for that price, either.

[JohnBriggs12]

It shouldn't surprise these guys that the market dries up quickly. It happened last year too with Abreu and others. The players that wait are getting less, not more. It's a good move for Arizona.

[davemakovec]

I think this is a GREAT signing for the D-Backs - career OPS over .830, OBP over .340, 25+ HRs per year...

 

He's a solid player, and the D-Backs just filled a hole for dirt cheap. There is really nothing not to like about this from the D-Backs' perspective. LaRoche, on the other hand, well, he missed his shot at a big payday, but he's still relatively young.

[JohnBriggs12]

LaRoche is solid, but he's never going to be confused with the top 1B in the league. He's too streaky and his K rate is a bit high vis a vis his HR output.

 

What's interesting to me about LaRoche is that he's exactly what I think we can expect Gamel to be. Nice stroke, good but not great power, streaky, decent OB skills, but a little too many K's to be a premier hitter. Ultimately if Fielder moves on, I think Gamel will play 1B too.

[TooLiveBrew]

It's an interesting comparison, and exactly why imo the Brewers need to keep Gamel at 3B (combined with the fact that I think he can stick there). I'm don't really agree with your comments on the K's, though. Many very good MLB hitters strike out a lot, as it's not always a sign of being a less than good hitter, but instead that said player routinely works deep at-bats.

 

I obviously have to agree with everyone that the Diamondbacks just made a heck of a signing here. If they're contending the whole season, fine... and if they're not, fine. He could easily be flipped for a useful prospect.

[Gobias Industries]

LaRoche is solid, but he's never going to be confused with the top 1B in the league. He's too streaky and his K rate is a bit high vis a vis his HR output.

 

What's interesting to me about LaRoche is that he's exactly what I think we can expect Gamel to be. Nice stroke, good but not great power, streaky, decent OB skills, but a little too many K's to be a premier hitter. Ultimately if Fielder moves on, I think Gamel will play 1B too.

That seems like a pretty solid comp. When I first saw Gamel I instantly thought JD Drew. Solid power, solid batting average, similar stance, a very similar disciplined approach (gonna take their share of called third strikes, which drive most fans mad). If he can develop into that type of high OBP player it's gonna help this offense a ton. Perfect #2 between Rickie and Braun.