Adam LaRoche and Atlanta's Quest for a First Baseman
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by user Timothy Moreland(Bball3345)
Historically, first base has been the easiest position to fill offensively. Atlanta has not been able to call this position a strength since 1998. This was the year before Andres Galarraga was diagnosed with cancer and missed the following season. In '98, Galararraga hit 44 HRs and posted a superb 0.305/0.397/0.595 line. Had Atlanta fans known what was to come at this position, they would have cherished the moment.
Filling in for the Big Cat in 1999, Ryan Klesko shifted to first base and split time with Randall Simon and Brian Hunter. These three played admirably, combining for 32 home runs and OBP's over .358 for the threesome. Galarrage returned in 2000, but with his power drained. He smashed 28 HRs and had an OBP of .369, down from 44 and .397. Following 2000, Galarraga was granted free agency by Atlanta.
With this loss, the Braves first base situation turned from average to dreadful. Wes Helms, who had played third base in limited playing time the previous two years, shifted to the other side of the diamond. Unfortunately, the youngster failed to impress. One could not doubt his power, with 10 HRs in 216 ABs, but he put up a dreadful .293 OBP. Rico Brogna shared the majority of the time with Helms at first base. Likewise, Brogna could not post an OBP over .300; however, he lacked Helm's power. With Ken Caminiti failing in his try at 1B with a .222 batting average, Atlanta found former major leaguer Julio Franco in Mexico. On August 31, the Braves purchased the contract of the 42-year-old from the Mexico City Tigers. In 23 games at first base, Franco managed to record the only decent OBP amongst the group at .376.
Going into 2002, a 43-year-old Julio Franco was the organization's best choice. Helms still saw some action at first, playing 45 games there. Unfortunately, he couldn't hit better than a .243 average and was traded at the end of the year. Another old man, B.J. Surhoff contributed 11 games at first base and a .365 OBP. Unfortunately, he hit no HRs and actually posted a SLG%(.360) lower than his OBP. After turning sour on Julio, another Franco was brought in to give it a shot. Atlanta caught lightning in a bottle at the end of the year with former New York Met Matt Franco. In 196 PAs at 1B, Franco provided an impressive 0.317/0.395/0.517 line. Matt Franco would almost solely pinch hit in 2003, as the job was turned over to Robert Fick.
Being moved to the bench by Fick, Julio Franco once again had to prove himself. He did. In 182 PAs at 1B, some of Franco's power returned, hitting for a .452 SLG%, up from .382 the year before. Unfortunately, the majority of playing time was given to Fick and his .753 OPS. Between the two, only 16 HRs were produced from the position that produced the most HRs in the majors.
2004 would prove to be a year for optimism. Rookie Adam LaRoche would platoon with Julio Franco to create the closest to average production at first base in years. Playing time was split virtually in half as LaRoche had 338 PAs at 1B and Franco had 307. LaRoche handled the power, slugging .488, and Franco got on base at a .377 clip. Still, this power from LaRoche was not expected and sure to decline. As well, the clock was ticking on 45-year-old Franco.
Last year saw the passing of the torch from Franco to LaRoche. While playing time was even in 2004, LaRoche saw 483 PAs at 1B to Franco's 198. Not surprisingly, Franco outperformed the youngster with an OPS of .798 to .774. LaRoche was a 25-year-old given a job he was not talented enough to perform. Not only does his bat hurt the team, but his fielding is questionable at times. So far this year, LaRoche is hitting .243; although, his power has surprisingly improved (on pace for 21 HRs/46 2Bs compared to last year's 20 HR/28 2Bs). At 26, LaRoche looks like his potential is that of a borderline starter. For a team struggling to find production out of their corner outfield spots, they cannot afford to go into every series with a mismatch at first base. Fortunately, the answer to their problems may be in the system. Atlanta's AAA affiliate, the Richmond Braves, could have the solution with 24-year-old slugger, Scott Thorman. In 175 ABs this year, Thorman has hit 8 HRs and looked impressive with a .309/.381/.509 line. If LaRoche continues to struggle at the plate, GM Schuerholz should strongly consider dipping into the minors to end this streak of incompetence at first base.
Date
Fri 05/26/06, 12:04 pm EST
