Nats Make Offer to LaRoche

(Photo: Keith Allison)

Today, it was reported that the Washington Nationals made a qualifying offer to free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche. The Washington Times has more here.

According to the report, the offer is for one-year and $13.3 million. The original offer that LaRoche turned down to become a free agent was for one-year and $10 million. As you can see, this would give LaRoche a hefty $3.3 million more.

This qualifying offer serves two purposes. The first is that it gives Adam LaRoche something to mull over. He has until November 9th decide whether or not he will accept the offer. It also turns LaRoche into a compensated free agent. If he were to decline the Nationals offer and sign with another team, the Nationals would receive a compensatory draft pick.

The compensatory draft pick significantly decreases his value to other teams. According to the Washington Times article, the Nationals would likely receive a second round draft pick. If a team had to give away big money and a high draft pick in order to acquire LaRoche, that will drop the number of teams willing to sign him.

However, should LaRoche decline the offer, the Nationals are still more than welcomed to submit another offer. Like stated above, LaRoche has until next Friday to either accept or decline the Nationals offer.

The Nationals have not yet submitted an offer to free agent relief pitcher Sean Burnett.

Question: Do you think Adam LaRoche should get paid more, less, or exactly $13.3 million? Leave your answer in a comment below!

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Source: The Washington Times

LaRoche, Burnett Hit Free Agency

(Photo: Keith Allison)

Today, Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche and relief pitcher Sean Burnett declined their options and will officially declare for free agency which begins this Saturday at midnight. The Washington Post has more here.

Don't expect the Nationals to sign them to new deals before the clock strikes twelve on Saturday night. The whole point of these two declaring free agency is so they can make more money. How much money, you ask?

Well, LaRoche turned down $10 million over the next season in hopes of a long-term higher paying contract. As the Nationals biggest bat this past season and Gold Glove winner, LaRoche deserves to be paid a little more over a few years.

To give comparison with the money aspect, Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is set to make around $23 million annually. LaRoche is more than likely not asking for that much, but I would be willing venture that LaRoche wants between $15-$20 million annually over 3-4 years.

Letting LaRoche walk would be a mistake. While the Nationals do have Anthony Rendon, the minor league star broke his ankle last season and finished off the year on the recovery trail. Also, it would be a good idea to hang onto 33 homers and 100 RBI. If the price is right, LaRoche will be a National next season.

Sean Burnett, however, is a different story. I believe that Burnett is more likely to go than LaRoche. Last season, Burnett made just $2.35 million (his option was for $3.5 million). He'll likely be looking for something around $4-$5 million annually and over 2-3 years.

However, if the Nationals were to let Burnett walk, it would not be the end of the world. Burnett was by no means the star of the bullpen and is coming off of surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow.

The Nationals would have Tyler Clippard, Tom Gorzelanny, Drew Storen, Ryan Matheus, and Craig Stammen in the bullpen. I don't want to get your hopes up prematurely, but Todd "Coffey Time" Coffey will be available this free agency.

Both Burnett and LaRoche have been adamant they want to stay in Washington and the Nationals have said that they want to retain both players. Maybe that kind of mindset will aid in the negotiation process and both will be willing to give a little to make a deal work.

Question: Do you think the Nationals should resign LaRoche and/or Burnett? Leave your answer in a comment below!

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Source: Washington Post
Salary Source: ESPN

Golden Night for LaRoche

LaRoche, right, won his first Gold Glove. (Photo: Keith Allison)

Tonight, Nationals first baseman finally got some hardware for his impressive skill in the field. He was awarded the National League first baseman Gold Glove Award. It is the first such award for his LaRoche in his career.

LaRoche is coming off of one of the best seasons of his entire career. His 33 home runs are a career high and he tied his career high in RBI with 100. He batted .271 with a slugging percentage of .510.

But, LaRoche earned his Gold Glove for his play in the field.

LaRoche was tied for the NL lead in fielding percentage with 99.5%. That's right...darn near perfect. In 1,367 total chances, LaRoche committed just seven errors and made 1,260 put-outs. LaRoche also turned 113 double plays.

LaRoche beat out Joey Votto of the Reds and Freddie Freeman of the Braves for the award.

In related news, shortstop Ian Desmond lost to Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins for that position's Gold Glove.

For a complete list of winners, go to this link.

Question: Do you think Adam LaRoche was worthy of a Gold Glove? Do you think Ian Desmond should have won his? Comment with your opinion below!

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Nats Up For Award

Desmond, above, is up for a Golden Glove Award. (Photo: Keith Allison)

Yesterday, Rawlings announced its finalists for the coveted defensive award of the Golden Glove. The award is given to the top fielder from each position. From the National League side, the Washington Nationals had two players make the final list.

At first base, Adam LaRoche is up against Freddie Freeman and Joey Votto for the award. The fact that Votto did not play for a good chunk of the season bodes well and aids in LaRoche's campaign.

This season, LaRoche had a fielding percentage of 99 percent and committed just seven errors on 1,367 total chances. He made 100 assists and turned 113 double plays. Of those 1,367 total chances, he converted on 1,260 of them for an out.

At shortstop, All-Star Ian Desmond Zack Cozart, Jimmy Rollins, and Jose Reyes for the award. Desmond is coming off of his best year for the Nationals. It has been highlighted by his first All-Star game, which he didn't attend due to injury, and now his nomination for a Golden Glove.

This season, Desmond had a fielding percentage of 97 percent. He committed just 15 errors on 492 total chances. Desmond had 306 assists and turned 65 double plays. Desmond also made 171 put outs this past season.

The award winners will be announced live on ESPN2 at 9 PM eastern on Tuesday, October 30th. For the complete list of finalists, go here.

Question: Do you think that Adam LaRoche and Ian Desmond are worthy of winning the award? Do you believe that any other Nationals should be on this list? Leave your answer in a comment below!

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Source: CBS Sports