What's the Hold-up on LaRoche?

Adam LaRoche is coming off a career year and wants to return to the Nationals. He was undoubtedly the best player on the team last season and the Nationals want him back. Sounds like a done deal.

So what’s the hold-up?

The main sticking point between the two sides is the contract length. LaRoche wants a three-year deal, but the Nationals are only willing to give him two.

LaRoche had the best season of his career in 2012, winning his first Golden Glove and Silver Slugger awards. A three-year contract would be a huge risk for the Nationals. Injuries have been an issue for LaRoche his entire career. Sure, he looked great last year, but his 154 at bats were the most he’s ever had in a single season. What we saw in 2012 may be what LaRoche is capable of when he stays healthy, but at 33, his physical decline will begin sooner rather than later. Is it worth it to give him three years for diminishing stats and possibly shortened seasons?

The fact is, the Nationals just are not desperate enough to offer him three years guaranteed. With a crowded outfield, the Nationals could move Michael Morse to first base if LaRoche went elsewhere. The team has no reason to risk three years.

As a free agent, LaRoche could certainly look somewhere else for a better deal, but as of yet no one has offered him the three years he was seeking.

When Josh Hamilton signed with the Angels, it was widely reported that Texas would pursue. While he is no Josh Hamilton, the Rangers desperately need hitting to replace their former slugger. If they were not willing to offer him three years, it’s hard to imagine anyone else would.

The only hope for LaRoche right now seems to be Boston. The Red Sox are currently trying to rework a deal with Mike Napoli after discovering a previously undisclosed hip condition. If they are unable to come to terms, the Red Sox would reportedly look at LaRoche. According to MLB.com's Peter Gammons, however, Boston isn't willing to give LaRoche a three-year deal either.

If no one will give him three years, then it may be time for a reality check for LaRoche if he wants to sign before spring training. If it continues to be a sticking point, the Nationals could offer him a team option for a third year in an attempt to placate him, but that is essentially the same thing as a two-year deal.

The Nationals would like him back, but they don’t need him. Even among the teams who do need him, he isn’t worth two years. Now it’s a question of how long LaRoche is willing to wait.

Nationals Bring in Span, Still have Decisions to Make

The Nationals made their first big move in the offseason, addressing their need for a leadoff hitter.

The team announced Thursday that they had traded pitching prospect Alex Meyer to Minnesota in exchange for center fielder Denard Span.  With a .284 batting average and a .357 on-base percentage, Span looks to be the leadoff hitter the Nationals sorely needed.

Not only did the Nationals add a key piece to their lineup, they also gained some flexibility regarding Adam LaRoche and Michael Morse.  Heading into the offseason, it seemed unlikely the Nationals would keep both.  Now it's all but certain.

LaRoche is coming off arguably the best season of his career, with 33 home runs and 100 RBIs.  He won both a Golden Glove and a Silver Slugger and was undoubtedly the team MVP in 2012.

The problem is that he is a free agent.  While he has expressed interest in returning to Washington, he also has reportedly asked for a three-year deal.  At 33 years old, the Nationals are reluctant to lock him up for so long at what will undoubtedly be a hefty price tag.

Morse, on the other hand, is still under contract and younger at 30.  Injuries, however, are a major concern as they have hindered the power-hitter for much of his career.

If the Nationals don’t re-sign LaRoche, Morse would move to first base, but the Nationals would be taking a huge risk with Morse’s durability.  They would also be losing LaRoche for nothing.  Trading Morse will at least get them something in return.

The Nationals put together a winning roster in 2012 and I would be reluctant to let the biggest reason for that, the team MVP, walk away for nothing.  Yes, you take the risk of his numbers declining because of his age, but no more of a risk than you take with Morse's health.

The Nationals also find themselves in need of a starting pitcher this offseason.  The biggest name available is of course Zack Grienke, but I would be shocked if the Nationals had any serious interest in him.

Grienke would reportedly cost around $100 million.  With Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez already in the rotation, Grienke would be third at the very least, maybe even fourth behind Jordan Zimmermann.  Don’t hold your breath for this blockbuster signing in DC.

In addition to a starter, the Nationals will also look for a left-handed reliever.  With the decision to non-tender Tom Gorzelanny, the Nationals have no left-handed relievers on the roster.  They could re-sign Sean Burnett or Michael Gonzalez, but I would not be surprised to see them bring in a new name as well.

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