ADAM LAROCHE WILL SERVE PRIMARILY AS A DH

The White Sox made the Adam LaRoche signing official on Monday, which meant that we were finally able to get some clarity on what role LaRoche will fill exactly. It was obvious that the plan was for LaRoche to fill the DH spot and spell Jose Abreu at first base, but what we didn't know was how often LaRoche would need to bring his glove to the park.

We received some clarification from Robin Ventura Monday.

Ventura was doing an interview with MLB Network and was asked about his plans for LaRoche.

Ventura on MLB Network "Jose is the first baseman. LaRoche will be in there once or twice a week. Most of Adam's ABs will probably be at DH"
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) November 25, 2014

Robin also talked about the Alexei Ramirez trade rumors saying he doesn't "expect Alexei to go anywhere" and that he expects "him to be my shortstop." Of course, expectations can change as it's not up to Robin whether or not Alexei is back next season. That's on Rick Hahn.

What Robin does control is the lineup, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he sticks to his plan to limit LaRoche to first base once or twice a week. LaRoche is not the same player at first base that won a Gold Glove in 2012, but I'm not exactly convinced that Abreu is a better option defensively.

He certainly exceeded expectations last year, but that's because I figured he'd be horrible. That's what most of the scouting reports led you to believe, so when he showed up and demonstrated his ability to catch a baseball, it was a plus! But that doesn't mean he's better than LaRoche, and the defensive metrics seem to agree.

According to FanGraphs, last year LaRoche checked in with a defensive runs saved of 0. He was perfectly average! The same cannot be said of Abreu. In fact, of all Major League first baseman who met the innings played qualifications, Abreu ranked dead last at -11. That's worse than Ryan Howard.

Granted, Abreu could improve, and to limit him exclusively to a DH role this early in his career probably isn't the best plan. So I can understand why Ventura and the Sox would want him playing four or five games per week at first base. I just hope they're willing to make the adjustment should it continue to prove clear that LaRoche is the better option defensively.

Given LaRoche's splits against lefties and righties there's a good chance that the Sox will utilize a DH platoon of sorts, giving LaRoche days off against lefties. Those are the days Jose Abreu should be playing first. When LaRoche is in the lineup he should be at first with Ventura giving him a day off here and there, not the other way around.

The Sox are spending $25 million on LaRoche, and while he makes the lineup stronger from top to bottom, he can also make the infield defense (which has already lost Gordon Beckham, and could lose Alexei too) better as well.

If you're spending the money, get the most out of it.