Report: White Sox showing interest in Adam LaRoche

October 6, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) stands on the on-deck circle during game three of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted that a number of teams are interested in free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche, including the Chicago White Sox.

If you remember, last week on Southside Showdown, staff writer Joshua McKenzie gave his thoughts on as to why LaRoche is a good fit for this ball club.

For those who didn’t see the article, click here to read it.

In the tweet from Rosenthal on Tuesday afternoon is says the following:

Being that he’s 34 years old, I really don’t have a problem with the White Sox being interested in the first baseman, because he could also be used in the designated hitter role, and I don’t believe he’ll break the bank when it comes to a contract.

If the White Sox want some veterans on this club for next season, why not add a player like LaRoche? A player who can also be a designated hitter and play some first base as well.

His numbers aren’t bad either, as last season he batted .259 with a .362 on-base percentage and .455 slugging percentage. Not to mention he did hit 26 home runs and have 92 RBIs while with the Washington Nationals.

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I’m not saying LaRoche is a game-changer or the saving grace for the White Sox club, but he it wouldn’t be the worst decision by the White Sox to sign a player like LaRoche for one or even two seasons to protect Jose Abreu in the batting order.

LaRoche also walked 82 times this past season, and in the past three seasons he’s hit a combined 79 home runs, including 33 in 2012.

In four of the past five seasons the 34-year old LaRoche also has tallied four 100-plus hit seasons, including 128 hits in ’14, seven more hits than he had in ’13.

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In his Southside Showdown article, McKenzie made a good point about LaRoche that makes me like a potential deal for the veteran first baseman:

"“Compare (LaRoche’s) numbers to the departed Adam Dunn, who hit .219 with 22 home runs and 64 RBI. Not only that, but LaRoche struck out in only 18.4% of his at-bats, whereas Adam Dunn was called out on strikes in 31.1% of his at-bats. Clearly, LaRoche would be an immediate upgrade at DH and provide Abreu with adequate protection in the lineup.”"

This makes a lot of sense, and at least the White Sox are looking into obtaining LaRoche, which even if it is a short term fix, it would be a fix nonetheless.

Signing a player like LaRoche would not only give the White Sox a veteran presence in the clubhouse, but a veteran who can still produce at the MLB level, and one who could play a big role in the line from both designated hitter and first base from time-to-time.