The Curious Case of Adam LaRoche

[Anthony K.]

After looking through some box scores tonight, something really popped out to me:

Adam LaRoche now has 27 homers. That is the 2nd highest amount he has ever hit (32 career high, which he could POSSIBLY surpass this season).

As I was surprised by this, I decided to dig a little into LaRoche's history. Had he not been injured last year, this would be LaRoche SEVENTH consecutive season with at least 20 homers. As it stands, it will just be his 6th season in the last 7 years with 20 or more homers.

Did you know his 27 homers are tied for 5th in the NL? Or that his 87 RBI is 7th in the NL?

Has any player flown more under the radar that is also top 10 in TWO major statistical categories this season than LaRoche has (I will admit, he hasn't flown under the radar with me, because he has spent about 70% of the season on one of my fantasy teams)?

 

[All The Hype]

I was reading about a prospect the other day and they compared him to Adam LaRoche, but mentioned how LaRoche was more of a power hitter than the prospect. I flinched at that statement because honestly I never knew he had ever hit more than 20 homers in a season. Glad you posted this thread so I could be enlightened.

And to answer your question, I'd say he must be one of the most underrated players over the last few years. I would have guessed his career high to be around 15, and I consider myself a serious baseball fan. I'm going to start following him now!

 

[Anthony K.]

I was reading about a prospect the other day and they compared him to Adam LaRoche, but mentioned how LaRoche was more of a power hitter than the prospect. I flinched at that statement because honestly I never knew he had ever hit more than 20 homers in a season. Glad you posted this thread so I could be enlightened.

And to answer your question, I'd say he must be one of the most underrated players over the last few years. I would have guessed his career high to be around 15, and I consider myself a serious baseball fan. I'm going to start following him now!

I fondly remember his 32 homer season for Atlanta, for a variety of reasons, and I remember picking him up in 09 when he was BACK in Atlanta. He never puts up massive numbers, but it seems, when healthy, he is a good bet for 80-25-90-.265 with decent defense at first base. So not a terrible guy to have in your line up and on the field, but not the greatest either.

Not to mention, he was a 29th round pick in 2000. Quite the gem the Braves drafted.

 

[moxacaine]

Funny you posted this. I was going to start a thread about him yesterday but got busy at work.

 

[moxacaine]

He is one of those guys that could really make a name for himself in the playoffs. Might be a good investment.

 

[Austin]

Adam's brother Andy had more hype as a minor leaguer than Adam ever has in his excellent Major League career.
Remember how hot Andy's 2005 Bowman Chrome autograph was?
But Adam has quietly been having a nice career, while Andy, who turns 29 next week, is back in the minors after a forgettable five seasons of 22 total home runs.

 

[morgoth]

Laroche historically has horrible splits during the season. He is notorious slow starter and then heats up around the AS break. This season he didn't do that and thus a much better overall season. I hated him on the Pirates as he would hit .187 until July.

 

[scotty216brs]

I wished he was on the Red Sox for more than a week...

 

[markakis8]

Harold Reynolds is pushing for both Adam LaRoche and Jay Bruce for NL MVP....LOL....

I mean they are both having wonderful seasons but neither is even a top 5 MVP candidate. If I was voting I'd probably throw LaRoche a bone and give him a 9th or 10 place vote b/c he certainly is one of the reasons for the Nationals record but I would say their pitching staff is almost as important to their success.

Wasn't trying to rain on your parade, Anthony. LaRoche is definitely having a great year.

 

[carlitoson]

The other “exclusive” guy in 2002 Elite Extra (Rios) is having a nice resurgence in performance this season as well.

 

[moxacaine]

And Laroche just hits an RBI single to give the Nats the lead.

 

[Anthony K.]

Harold Reynolds is pushing for both Adam LaRoche and Jay Bruce for NL MVP....LOL....

I mean they are both having wonderful seasons but neither is even a top 5 MVP candidate. If I was voting I'd probably throw LaRoche a bone and give him a 9th or 10 place vote b/c he certainly is one of the reasons for the Nationals record but I would say their pitching staff is almost as important to their success.

Wasn't trying to rain on your parade, Anthony. LaRoche is definitely having a great year.

No rain noticed Carl

I truly think, on the offensive side, until Zimmerman got his nice little shot, LaRoche (and Ian Desmond) WERE the reasons the Nationals were competing with other teams. This is not to take away from their staff, which has been absolutely phenomenal, but someone has to score those runs

I just hadn't heard much from/about LaRoche in a few years and when I checked the box scores, was surprised to see he had 27 homers. I mean, I know he had been hitting them this year (he had been starting for my team for quite some time, 1B depth be damned), I just had no clue to the extent he did.

If he hits 30 homers this year, is that the biggest power surprise of the season? I think he is en route to winning comeback player of the year (if they are going to give it out to someone who had an injury last year that cost him so much of the season).

 

[elmalo]

Harold Reynolds is pushing for both Adam LaRoche and Jay Bruce for NL MVP....LOL....

I mean they are both having wonderful seasons but neither is even a top 5 MVP candidate. If I was voting I'd probably throw LaRoche a bone and give him a 9th or 10 place vote b/c he certainly is one of the reasons for the Nationals record but I would say their pitching staff is almost as important to their success.

Wasn't trying to rain on your parade, Anthony. LaRoche is definitely having a great year.

I think he is one of the main reasons they are where they are. He is the one guy in that lineup who has been healthy/consistent all year. He is the glue that kept that lineup together.

 

[scotty216brs]

And Laroche just hits an RBI single to give the Nats the lead.

He's been on fire the past week

 

[moxacaine]

I wish the seller wasnt asking an insane amount for this. Id like to buy it with it signed roach. i just starting using COMC and im quickly learning to hate it.

 

[hive17]

He learned from Aramis Ramirez. Speaking of whom, he's another underrated guy. He's an XBH machine and will both lead the NL in doubles as well as potentially set the Brewer record for XBHs in a season (breaking the record held by Prince and Yount).

 

[HPC]

I would have like to have seen the Dbacks keep LaRoche longer.

Same with Dunn.

Dunn was more about money whereas LaRoche was about production but still, would have liked to see him stay longer.

 

[moxacaine]

and laroche with another homerun!!!

 

[RZimm11]

Certainly helping my fantasy team!

 

[moxacaine]

Just saw it posted on twitter that in his last 8 ABs he is 7-7 with a walk.