Nationals new 1B discussion

[PANatsFan]

but despite what Phil Wood says, we DON'T have a viable 1B option for next year.

for that reason, I'd want the younger Laroche for 2-3 years, than the older Lee for one year.

Laroche would give us time to find a longer term 1B.

Good points, definitely. The Nats are in prime position here, I think we'll all be happy with the 1B situation.

[Evolution33]

but despite what Phil Wood says, we DON'T have a viable 1B option for next year.

for that reason, I'd want the younger Laroche for 2-3 years, than the older Lee for one year.

Laroche would give us time to find a longer term 1B.

Besides Fielder and Pujols who are the free agent 1B in 2011? Also Marrero or Moore could actually do well in the minors and be ready for a shot in 2012, and if Ramos can be a decent catcher Norris can still be moved to first. I think Phil Wood misses on who would move where as Werth would be a plus defender in left and no one even knows if Norris can play the outfield. Also if Rizzo wants plus defenders and complete hitters at every position why would he sacrifice defensive value at any position when there is a choice?

[Ray D]

From Wood:
No one should be terribly surprised to see Jayson Werth move to first base in 2012, [/i]

I've been very supportive of the Werth signing. If he's moved to first base then I'll change my view of it completely.

[Tyler Durden]

Yeah Werth at 1B in 2012 would be ridiculous.  Especially if it means putting Norris in LF.

I could see Morse at 1B if he explodes this year.  Norris or Marrero is another possibility.

I'm coming around to the idea of LaRoche.  Seems like he could be traded if someone who's currently on the team forces Rizzo's hand.  I like Lee a lot better for this year.  Less strikeouts and better defense.  Also seems to be a better clubhouse guy - I like the fact that he's holding out for a winner versus a trying to get an extra year or two on his contract.

I suppose we could sign LaRoche then trade him to a team that loses a 1B to an injury or a team like the Padres or Rays that won't give out a three year deal this year but may take on 2 years of LaRoche in 2012.  The Cubs or O's maybe if they don't get Fielder.  Anyway, there will probably be a market for him.

The high strikeout numbers and mediocre hitting stats make me think he'd be no better than Morse, though.  If we play Morse in LF - we should have a pretty good 3-6 in the lineup.

[hammondsnats]

Good points, definitely. The Nats are in prime position here, I think we'll all be happy with the 1B situation.

If we kept dunn yes but yeah I would take either or.

[natstime]

Lee might be a better leader (like an in your face guy if something isnt going how it should be going).  I feel like Dunn and Zim were and are leaders, but idk about being in your face guys.  I am basing this statement on last year Lee got right in Zambrano's face when he had his blow up.

[Tyler Durden]

Natstime, I agree with you on Lee.  Rizzo appears to value guys like that.  LaRoche looks like he be more of the laid back type - I don't even know if he'd qualify as a 'quiet leader' like Zim.

[Ray D]

LaRoche looks like he be more of the laid back type

That's pretty good for understatement.
Remember that play (I think it was 2007) in Atlanta when Nick hit a slow grounder, LaRouche picked it up, turned around, and slowly walked the ball to first base. Meanwhile, Nick turned on the burners ran past him and beat him to first.  Would have been the third out, instead we scored four runs and won the game.  That's how I think of LaRouche.

[Evolution33]

That's pretty good for understatement.
Remember that play (I think it was 2007) in Atlanta when Nick hit a slow grounder, LaRouche picked it up, turned around, and slowly walked the ball to first base. Meanwhile, Nick turned on the burners ran past him and beat him to first.  Would have been the third out, instead we scored four runs and won the game.  That's how I think of LaRouche.

But how do you think of Adam LaRoche?

Joking aside the play in question actually led to him seeking help and getting it for his ADD.

[Ray D]

But how do you think of Adam LaRoche?

Joking aside .....

Good point, I often refer to him as "Lyndon".

[Ray D]

the play in question actually led to him seeking help and getting it for his ADD.

That's interesting, I've heard it mentioned that he has ADD but always in the context of the awkward interviews that he gives and never in regard to his play on the field, I've certainly never heard it mentioned in connection with that play.

[Vega]

I wish that something would happen. Now that Hawpe has signed with the Padres, it is guaranteed that either Lee or Laroche will sign with us, and the one that doesn't will sign with the Showalters. (Or vice versa.) I wish they'd hurry up sign so we can move on to something else.

[Lintyfresh85]

That's interesting, I've heard it mentioned that he has ADD but always in the context of the awkward interviews that he gives and never in regard to his play on the field, I've certainly never heard it mentioned in connection with that play.

Yeah... I don't have the interview at hand, but basically he said he'd just lose focus during a game... and there'd be times he'd look around and have no clue why he was out in the field.

I think the Nats play... as well as several others finally pushed him towards addressing the issue, and now he's on medication for it... and seems to be doing just fine.

[Tyler Durden]

That's interesting about LaRoche.  I'm glad he got some help for himself.  I wonder why he's so hesitant to go to Baltimore if they are offering 3 years.

[hammondsnats]

can we add a poll to this or should i make one?  don't want to clog the board, but i think it'll be interesting to see who everyone prefers and why.

[Evolution33]

That's interesting about LaRoche.  I'm glad he got some help for himself.  I wonder why he's so hesitant to go to Baltimore if they are offering 3 years.

Because it is Baltimore.

[Ray D]

he'd just lose focus during a game... and there'd be times he'd look around and have no clue why he was out in the field.

Losing focus vs. having no clue why you're in the field ... these sound like two very different conditions. The first is associated with ADD. The second sounds far more serious.

[Lintyfresh85]

Losing focus vs. having no clue why you're in the field ... these sound like two very different conditions. The first is associated with ADD. The second sounds far more serious.

Paraphrasing of course. I seem to remember a comment like that, though.

[Evolution33]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2446298

The internet just makes this too easy. Story from that time. No library or micro-film required.

[heeman82]

Because it is Baltimore.

Baltimore sucks

[JMW IV]

Besides Fielder and Pujols who are the free agent 1B in 2011?

come on dude. first off, Future potential Free Agents don't count as "viable options for next year". They only become viable options when they sign with us.

secondly, Pujols will NEVER, EVER, leave St. Louis.

[KnorrForYourMoney]

come on dude. first off, Future potential Free Agents don't count as "viable options for next year". They only become viable options when they sign with us.

secondly, Pujols will NEVER, EVER, leave St. Louis.

lol

How many times do I have to point out the stupidity of looking at possible future free agents?

[Lintyfresh85]

If the Nats had to overpay to sign Werth... could you imagine the overpay Pujols would get? 40-45 million per?

[PatsNats28]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2446298

The internet just makes this too easy. Story from that time. No library or micro-film required.

micro film?

[Ray D]

micro film?

Yes that was an information format popular during the Civil War.