Andy LaRoche

Andrew Christian LaRoche (born September 13, 1983) is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays.\n', ' LaRoche is the son of Dave LaRoche, a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the California Angels, and brother of former first baseman and designated hitter Adam LaRoche.\n', ' 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 switched positions due to an injury. 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. He re-entered the draft the following year, and, despite having broken a bone in his left leg in a collision at first base, his stock soared and scouts projected him as a first rounder. However, teams were concerned about their ability to sign him, as he had turned down the Padres\' offer and was planning on transferring to Rice University.\n', '