Agreement duration: a hurdle behind contract extension of Adam LaRoche-MLB Update
Even as talks between the Washington Nationals and Adam LaRoche resume, the inability to come to terms regarding duration of the new contract remains the point of contention.
The Nationals continue with their earlier stance of offering not more than a two-year deal.
On the other hand, LaRoche feels that he is worth more than this and deserves at-least the three-year contract.
Other than the Nationals, LaRoche has some other organisations interested in his acquisition.
The Boston Red Sox are eager to sign LaRoche as they are going through negotiations with him.
They are hoping to ink an agreement with him at their own terms and conditions.
Interestingly, of all the teams interested in LaRoche, none of them has confirmed yet that they will agree to the asking price of him.
Even the Red Sox have not given any indication whether they will grant what LaRoche is looking for.
As for the Nationals, their manager, Davey Johnson is looking forward to see LaRoche playing for them during the 2013 season. Johnson is aware of the importance of having him in the team.
"I really won't sleep comfortably until he [signs]. I hope that gets worked out," Johnson said. "I told [Adam], 'You don't want to go where you are miserable. You know you are going to have a good time in D.C. I won't platoon you.' We'll see. ... That would
put the icing on the cake."
LaRoche was exceptional in the last season. All through the year, he was at the top of his form. More importantly, he was far from sustaining any injury, which is a great sign.
If he can play through the season at the age of 33, he certainly can be relied on for a few more years.
However, the Nationals are apprehensive of his fitness down the line. They are of the view that with one or two more seasons down the road, his effectiveness will decline.
That means the Nationals will be paying him more than what they could be getting from LaRoche in terms of his performance.
It will be interesting to see how the Nationals carry out negotiations with LaRoche this time around and try to ink an agreement with him.
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