Valentin is a better option than LaRue for the reason that he is a switch hitter. FLo was, but obviously he isn't with the team anymore. Javy is now the only switcher we have, which makes him more valuable. No matter what, you can't argue that LaRue is worth his 5.5 million tag next year. Only Jason Varitek (not this year, however), Jorge Posada and Joe Mauer are worth that much...not Jason LaRue