Blue Jays Ink LaRoche To Minor League Deal

Mar 27, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Andy LaRoche (28) sets as Chicago White Sox right fielder Brent Lillibridge (18) leads off of third during the fourth inning at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY SportsIf you simply read over the title and got excited, I apologize. THAT LaRoche, Adam, has already resigned this winter with the Washington Nationals. No, this report pertains to Andy LaRoche, the younger brother of Adam LaRoche. On Wednesday, the Toronto Blue Jays signed the younger LaRoche to a minor league deal with a an invitation to spring training with the Major League club.

The club released the signing as an official transaction release on then team website.

The 29-year-old LaRoche is a five year veteran, having played with the Dodgers, Pirates, and Athletics at the Major League level. In 403 career games, LaRoche is a lifetime .226 hitter with 22 home runs, and a .642 OPS. He has primarily played third base, but has also made appearances at all other infield spots and in left field.

The infielder split the 2012 season between the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox organizations, playing for the Triple-A Affiliates, Columbus and Pawtucket, in both organizations. In 96 games, LaRoche played every infield position while hitting a combined .251 with 12 home runs and .710 OPS. For his Minor League career, the lesser (just being honest) LaRoche is a .285 hitter with 111 home runs and .864 OPS. He peaked on Baseball America’s rankings as the #19 prospect prior to both the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

LaRoche will likely spend most of 2013 at Triple-A Buffalo as roster depth.