[jojo]

Originally Posted by Dracodave

The always smart Braves.

LaRoche is still full of question marks, is he the second half player of the first half player? Can he focus on the game or his adhd?

I guess I don't see LaRoche as a question mark. Here' my take:

offense:
mlb 2006 average 1B: .282/.358/.483
Pecota '07 projection for LaRoche: .277/.352/.511

defense:
PMR to runs: -4.5 (ranked 31st in the majors at firstbase)

LaRoche projects as a slightly better than average first baseman offensively and a decidedly below average first baseman defensively. Overall, he's roughly an average first baseman. That's pretty valuable at his current $420,000 (3 yrs service time) but his value will begin decreasing significantly as arbitration and free agency dramatically increases his salary. It's not that terribly difficult to find a first baseman who can put up a reasonable facsimile of the offensive numbers that LaRoche has/is projected to put up... For instance, the Reds platooned two turnips last season and got this from first base: .297/.390/.480 for the cost of about $2M. It's also not that terribly difficult to find a good closer see JJ Putz (who was never a highly valued prospect) for instance (or any of Billy Beane's creations).

The Braves aren't necessarily selling Laroche high with regards to his production....they're selling high with regard to his value (i.e. cost of his production). This is a good move for both teams IMHO-both get needs met cheaply and can probably fill the gaps in their rosters left by the trade by looking in-house. The Braves have dramatically rehaped their pen-a glaring weakness from '06- by both going younger and cheaper this offseason. They essentially acquired two of the most sought after pen arms on most GMs wish lists. I don't think there is a hidden motive for trading Laroche. The Reds could probably have used every player involved in this trade.