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33
 |
Votes |
Drafted: '03, 39th round (1171 overall)
|
|---|---|---|
| 73 | ||
| Previous Rank | ||
| NA | ||
| ETA in Majors | ||
| 2008 |
Despite losing time over the past few seasons to injuries, most notably one to his non-throwing shoulder, it's time for LaRoche to show what he can do on the big league stage. He has the ability to hit for both average and power, as evidenced by his .524 career slugging percentage and .374 on-base percentage in the Minor Leagues. In the second half of 2007, he may have been the hottest hitter in the Minors, though it didn't translate into big-league success. Defensively, he's got good hands and more than enough range and arm to stick at third.
New manager Joe Torre has a tough decision to make. There doesn't seem to be room for LaRoche in the lineup right now, especially if Jeff Kent comes back, with Nomar Garciaparra penciled in as the third baseman. That Nomar pencil often gets erased by injury, so LaRoche is likely to see playing time either way. But he shouldn't have to wait for a disabled list-induced opening to get his shot.
