Adam LaRoche h**l-bent for three-year deal from Washington Nationals - MLB Update
As the talks between the Washington Nationals and Adam LaRoche are on-going, both parties are unwilling to compromise. The same reason that halted the negotiations earlier is hampering the talks again.
LaRoche is insisting for a three-year deal, but the Nationals are not stepping back even an inch from the stance, which they maintained earlier.
They are mindful of the fact that other teams are also interested in LaRoche and yet they are not in hurry about the first baseman.
Reports surfaced earlier stating that the Boston Red Sox are looking to sign LaRoche from the free agent market.
That opened up the possibility that the Nationals will immediately accept asking price of LaRoche for fearing his departure to the Red Sox.
However, as it has panned out, the Nationals are indifferent to what is happening in the market.
They made it clear to LaRoche before that anything beyond two years is unacceptable. They have said the same thing now.
What is worrisome for LaRoche is the fact that none of the teams other than the Nationals has offered him the contract as per his wishes yet.
It means they also doubt LaRoche is worthwhile enough to be retained for three years. They seem to have the same reservations that the Nationals expressed.
Despite LaRoche won Silver Slugger and Gold Glove at first base the last year, his mounting age is a discouraging factor for the buyers in the free agent market.
There are fears among the interested teams that he will lose effectiveness down the line and that he cannot ensure appropriate return on investment.
Another reason why the Nationals are not actively pursuing LaRoche is the fact that they have made necessary arrangements for first base.
They have Michael Morse for this position, as possible replacement of LaRoche and the recently acquired outfielder, Denard Span as successor of the former.
Unless LaRoche agrees to the offer of the Nationals, he is going to play for some other organisation during the 2013 season.
It will be interesting to observe the developments that will be taking place in the next couple of days regarding the deal of LaRoche.
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