PT TOMORROW: AL Central—Slow starts the norm for LaRoche

Chicago White Sox

Adam LaRoche (1B/DH, CHW) has gotten off to his characteristic slow start, with only 4 hits in his first 21 AB (although two of those were home runs). In his 13-year career LaRoche has slashed .223/.317/.404 in March/April, .260/.333/.459 during May-July, and .288/.359/.525 during August through October. Some observers may wonder if LaRoche’s transition to the DH role is a factor in his slow start, but his history suggests a slow start is normal. LaRoche owners should be patient; those who don’t own LaRoche may consider his slow start a buying opportunity.

Gordon Beckham (2B/3B, CHW) and Conor Gillaspie (3B, CHW) have been platooned in the early going. If the platoon persists, Gillaspie may not accumulate the 500+ AB...

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