Adam LaRoche is the latest guy on the Boston Red Sox's radar as they have yet to sign Mike Napoli. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Sox are still interested in signing the catcher/first baseman.
Napoli is still the main target. However, doctors found issues on the 31-year-old's hip. The last thing they would want is to sign a player who is physically inept, look at the New York Yankees now with Alex Rodriguez. Napoli and A-Rod aren't getting paid the same, but the last thing you'd want to do is bring an unhealthy player to your club.
Everything seems to be working for teams impacted by these new developing Napoli issues.
The Washington Nationals don't want to give LaRoche a three-year deal. They'd keep Michael Morse, who still provides pop and use Denard Span, Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth in the outfield.
If Napoli isn't fit, then the Red Sox would still get their guy at first because they will offer LaRoche a deal, though there are doubts it would be a three-year deal.
As for Napoli, he could take his power back to Texas and play for the Rangers. They can use his bat after losing Josh Hamilton.
LaRoche would be an ideal fit for the Red Sox because he can provide some protection for David "Big Papi" Ortiz in the middle of the Boston lineup. As of right now, the Sox don't have another big bopper who can protect Ortiz.
In 2012, LaRoche hit 33 homers and 100 RBI. This came after many thought his bat had dried up. His career was revitalized with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010 when he hit 25 homers and drove in 100 runs.
If Ortiz isn't healthy or goes down at some point, then LaRoche can be the Red Sox's guy.
We'll continue updating you with these offseason moves. You can follow me on Twitter @Frankie_SWR
