The only question, at least in my mind, is how valuable was LaRoche in turning Desmond and the rest of the Nats infield into reliable defenders.
I think one factor that seems to be overlooked is how high a premium Rizzo puts on that. With LaRoche, we have an elite or near-elite fielder at every position. Without him, we don't, and we don't not only at first, but putting a mediocre fielder at first base turns the rest of the infield into less than elite. I'm expecting Rizzo to make a big push to sign him.
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