Andrew Christian LaRoche (born September 13, 1983 in
Fort Scott, Kansas), is an infielder currently
playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Andy is the son of Dave LaRoche, a former Major
League Baseball pitcher for the California Angels,
and brother of Adam LaRoche, a first baseman for the
Pittsburgh Pirates.
LaRoche played shortstop for Grayson County College
and became the top position-player prospect in the
Cape Cod League. 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 to remain
in school and re-enter 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.
But teams were concerned about their ability to sign
him because he had turned down the Padres offer and
was planning on transferring to Rice University.
Nevertheless he was drafted in the 39th round of the
2003 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers but still got
supplemental money when the Dodgers signed him in
August 2003. At the time, his bonus was the highest
for a "non draft and follow" outside the first three
rounds.
