Are the 2015 White Sox Better Than the 2005 Squad?
Designated Hitter
Sep 11, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) singles in his 3rd RBI of the game in the 3rd inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
2015: Adam LaRoche (ESPN Projections: .263 Avg./25 HR/79 RBI)
2005: Carl Everett (2005 Stats: .251 Avg./23 HR/87 RBI)
These stat lines are very similar. I’d be more than satisfied if LaRoche posted Everett’s exact slash line in ’15. For me though, Everett’s production is really just the floor of what LaRoche can accomplish this season.
I’m not contending LaRoche will be exponentially better than Everett was in ’05, but I think LaRoche profiles perfectly at U.S. Cellular field, and right-center is a power alley that he can exploit. Thirty home runs and 100 RBIs doesn’t seem out of reach for LaRoche in ’15.
I think it’s just a matter of whether or not he experiences the inevitable drop off that players see when they’re on the wrong side of 30.
The other plus about LaRoche is that he offers gold-glove caliber defense at first base and that’s usually something you can’t say about a designated hitter.
Edge: Adam LaRoche
Next: White Sox: Starting Pitcher