Is Adam LaRoche The Answer To The Braves Playoff Hopes?

The trade of Adam LaRoche to the Atlanta Braves Friday was a surprising move. As a fan favorite during his first tenure, the Braves have picked up a player who has proven success in Atlanta.

The question that every Braves fan wants to know is, does the addition of LaRoche and the subtraction of Casey Kotchman help or hurt the Braves chance of making the playoffs?

As many Braves fans may remember, Adam LaRoche is a better player during the second half of the season. During his career, he has hit almost .50 points better during the second half, with his best months coming in August and September. He also has exhibited more power during the last half of the season.

Comparable to Kotchman, LaRoche is a obvious offensive upgrade. During the second half of the season, Kotchman has hit a home run every 36 at bats. LaRoche, on the other hand, has averaged a home run every 18 at bats.

Clearly an improvement in the power category that Atlanta could use down the stretch. LaRoche has also achieved a higher batting average than Kotchman during the second half.

On the defensive front, Kotchman is a slightly better first baseman, though LaRoche certainly doesn't have a lead glove. Kotchman has achieved a career fielding percentage of .998 with zero errors this season. LaRoche on the other hand has achieved a career fielding percentage of .995 with only one error this season.

Clearly not an overwhelming advantage for Kotchman.

The biggest concern I have is that while Kotchman was under the Braves's control through 2011, LaRoche is a free agent at the end of the year. Hopefully LaRoche does not turn into a two-month rental and the Braves can re-sign him at the end of the year.

If they can, this could prove to be a great move by Braves GM Frank Wren. If not, and the Braves do not make the playoffs this season, the move could prove to be another questionable one by Wren.

Ultimately though, I think that this move could keep the Braves in the playoff hunt and will allow Braves's fans to cheer on their team in October.