Ventura: Abreu Still Our First Baseman
By Bruce Levine--
(CBS) -- The signing of first baseman Adam LaRoche to a two-year $25 million deal may seem convoluted, but not to the baseball brass of the White Sox. Knowing that Chicago already had an All Star first baseman in Jose Abreu did not stop them from adding the 35-year-old left-handed power hitter to the offensive mix.
Problems stemming from having the superior fielder LaRoche as the DH does not appear to be a distraction in November. Will that theory still hold water when the season begins? This is a reasonable question since Abreu is still learning the position and its nuances while LaRoche is an accomplished fielder at first base, winning a Gold Glove in 2012.
Before offering LaRoche a contract, both GM Rick Hahn and manager Robin Ventura talked to both Abreu and the free agent about sharing the spot and alternating in the DH and first base slots.
"Jose just wants to win," said Ventura. "There is a certain amount of respect he has earned. He wants to be a good first baseman and I think he will be. Part of it is you want to keep him comfortable with the type of season he had. The other part is Adam is still a pretty good first baseman. You look at the combination and we will be able to discuss it more when we get into spring training."
The reality is that Abreu, at age 27, was dealing with ankle and foot injuries from the beginning of spring training going forward last season. In order to maximize their investment in the slugging Cuban, having an alternative at the position while allowing Abreu to still contribute to the offense, made all of the sense in the world.
Keep in mind this two-year buy in on LaRoche also gives time for Abreu to become a better infielder at an easier pace than last season. Abreu had never played more than 95 games in a regular season in Cuba. 2014 was a test and testimonial to Abreu making it through the season in a spectacular way. This does not preclude the wear and tear on his legs as well as the threat to his future.
LaRoche is ticketed to bat in the number four spot behind Abreu and in front of Avi Garcia next season.
"He really balances out our lineup," Ventura said. "Yes I would expect him to be in the four hole. If Jose bats fourth than Adam will hit fifth."
Adding a left-handed power bat is not the last move for the Sox. This signing does answer a common asked question about adding balance to a less than productive offense. It appears the lineup can now be more productive and less predictable behind Abreu and leadoff man Adam Eaton going into 2015.
