Nats set to ink first baseman LaRoche to two-year deal

By Bud L. Ellis

Slick-fielding Adam LaRoche will bring his smooth glove and power stroke to the nation’s capital in 2011.

The 31-year-old first baseman has agreed to a two-year deal with the Washington Nationals, according to published reports. LaRoche is reportedly to make $16 million during the deal.

LaRoche hit .261 with 25 homers and a career-best 100 RBIs in 151 games for Arizona last season. He has hit more than 20 home runs in every season since 2005, including a career-high 32 with Atlanta in 2006. He has hit 161 career homers and is a .271 career hitter.

Just as important, LaRoche is one of the top fielding first basemen in the game. The Nationals have emphasized defense during the offseason, trying to shore up their defense.

In LaRoche, the Nats also add another power bat to go with Jayson Werth, who signed a seven-year deal with Washington at baseball’s Winter Meetings in November.

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Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 9:45 pm by bud

Tags: Adam LaRoche, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Jayson Werth, Major League Baseball, Washington Nationals news, Washington Nationals schedule, Washington Nationals tickets