Andy LaRoche

Andrew Christian LaRoche (born September 13, 1983) is an American professional baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays.

LaRoche is the son of Dave LaRoche, a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the California Angels, and brother of current Chicago White Sox first baseman and Designated Hitter Adam LaRoche.

College and draft

LaRoche played shortstop for Grayson County College(he also played for the Keene Swamp Bats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League) and became the top position-player prospect in the Cape Cod League. He had been originally a catcher but was injured and told to go to a different position because of that. He was originally drafted in the 21st round by the San Diego Padres in 2002, but he turned down an offer estimated at $200,000 and remained in school for another year before re-entering the draft the following year. Despite breaking a bone in his left leg in a collision while playing first base, his stock soared and scouts projected him as a first rounder.