Ryan Zimmerman wants Adam LaRoche to stay with Washington Nationals - MLB Update
Ryan Zimmerman has stood up in support of Adam LaRoche, believing that he should be re-signed by Washington Nationals. He is of the view that LaRoche is an integral part of the club and has much to offer the team in the upcoming seasons.
LaRoche is one of those free agents that denied accepting qualifying offers made to them by their respective clubs before they entered into the open market.
After having an excellent 2012 season with the Nationals, he is poised to attract attention of various clubs toward him and sign an expensive new contract with one of them.
The Nationals have not yet decided as to whether they should pursue him whole-heartedly or withdraw their offer in case he demands beyond a reasonable amount. The possible point of contention can be the duration of the contract.
LaRoche will look to secure his future and ask for an agreement consisting of a more than two years.
On the other hand, the Nationals will be reluctant to go beyond two seasons because of the fear of having his performance decline down the line. They have their concerns of overpaying him when LaRoche does not produce satisfactory results.
Zimmerman has also acknowledged that both the Nationals and LaRoche have reached a point where the business side of the matter is more important than the requirements of the team.
Regardless of the factors that can stop the deal from happening, Zimmerman is hopeful that LaRoche will return to the club next year.
Zimmerman rates LaRoche highly, terming him such a component of the team that brings a significant change in their overall performance.
“LaRoche is the guy that everyone is talking about,” Zimmerman said. “I think all of us would love to have him back. This is the part where it gets down to business decisions. And I know Rochie wants to get back here. I think Adam makes us a better team.
Adam has put himself into a very good position with the year that he had.”
Up until now, there seems to have hardly any development taken place with regard to his retention by Washington.
However, it can be expected in the next couple of days as free agents’ buying from the part of the teams becomes more frequent.
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