ESPN.com – MLB/SPRING2004 – Schwarz: Who’s on first?

ESPN.com – MLB/SPRING2004 – Schwarz: Who’s on first?

In the magazine I say Adam LaRoche could be a Rookie of the Year candidate. Over at www.pattonandco.com I say the same thing. Lawr Michaels scoffed but I added LaRoche to the list of “others to watch.” Alex Patton scoffed but I got him to add a bid price.

LaRoche is a great fielder who can hit. This article does a good job describing his game, which is hardly flashy but should prove solidly professional. Assuming neither Ryan Wagner, Edwin Jackson nor Chad Cordero goes crazy, LaRoche is exactly the sort of slightly older pro who could very quietly suprise.

Of course, he’s also the sort of slightly older pro who could start out 1-42 and quickly lose his job. But assuming he’s not going to be bid up in most leagues he’s well worth a shot.