Andy Laroche and Chris Coghlan: 2010 NL Second Baseman

by Ray Guilfoyle on Sep 27, 2009 8:30 AM EDT in Baseball

A few weeks ago, I read an article that talked about how the Pirates are considering moving Andy Laroche to second base in 2010, to make room for either third baseman Pedro Alvarez or Neil Walker. Laroche has disappointed many roto/fantasy owners over the last few years, but moving him to 2B would probably increase his value a bit, as he could be a late bloomer. Laroche did play some 2B in the minors for the Dodgers.

In addition, the Marlins are considering trading second baseman Dan Uggla to make room for left fielder Chris Coghlan. Coghlan played 2B and 3B in the minors, but the Marlins moved him to LF to get his bat in the lineup on a daily basis. Coghlan has exceeded expectations this year, and a move to 2B would increase his value greatly.

Let's take a look at their stats:

Player	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	KO	SB	BA	OBP	SLG
LaRoche, Andy 3B PIT	481	56	119	9	52	49	75	3	.247	.326	.370
Coghlan, Chris 3B FLA	465	75	146	9	43	50	76	7	.314	.385	.452

Laroche has the potential to his 20 HRs in a season and hit .280-.290, but has yet to meet the expectations since he was the Dodgers number 1 prospect a few years ago. His power has yet to appear, nor his great batting eye. Could a move to 2B help him reach his potential? He will more than likely be a very late round pick either at 3B or 2B in 2010 drafts.

Coghlan would probably be the 3rd or 4th second baseman drafted in 2010 drafts should the Marlins move him there based on his double digit power, high AVG and solid runs scored. Coghlan also has the speed to steal between 20-30 bases as he stole 19 bases in 23 attempts at Single A Greensboro in 2007, and stole 34 bases in 44 attempts at AA Carolina in 2008. Coghlan is a solid 2B choice in 2010 behind the Phillies Chase Utley and the Reds Brandon Phillips.

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Comments

Interesting

To me, they are the same player. The AVG is misleading. Each has essentially the same Abs, contact rates and walks.

The question is will Coughlin drop to LaRoche’s level or will LaRoche rise to Coughlan’s in 2010.

by faketeams on Sep 27, 2009 9:13 AM EDT reply actions

When it’s this close, I’d like the guy in the better lineup. Gimme Coghlan.

by Ian, yo on Sep 27, 2009 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

Looking more in depth...

I would say LaRoche has more power potential. LaRoche hits extra base hits almost 40% of the time he gets a hit, whereas Coghlan is closer to 25%. LaRoche has had 2 long periods of high average (.330+) totaling 70 games, but then a long period of 70 games hitting terribly.

Coghlan was able to limit those poor hitting months, and also his ceiling for average is higher as well.

by MarkInDallas on Oct 6, 2009 4:26 AM EDT reply actions