“Earlier today, the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo speculated that the Nats may eventually cave into LaRoche’s demands, but what if GM Mike Rizzo and his staff decide to stand their ground? LaRoche could conceivably sign yet another one-year deal somewhere and hope to cash in on a strong season, or sign a two-year deal with a team more apt to contend in the near future. Let’s look at some possibilities:

Rays: Tampa Bay lost Carlos Pena to free agency, and is currently looking to the likes of Dan Johnson as an option for both first base and DH. The Rays may not be able to offer the salary LaRoche would prefer, but their pitching staff and young core offer a shot at contention.

Rangers: Mitch Moreland and Chris Davis are no sure things as first base options, and Texas offers one of the best environments for a slugger to build up some value on a short-term deal while also offering a chance to contend.

Padres: While the spacious confines of Petco Park represent the opposite situation of those in Texas, LaRoche is a native of southern California. The Pads added Brad Hawpe earlier this offseason, but he carries plenty of question marks as a first baseman. If LaRoche’s price drops enough, it’s not unthinkable to see a match.

Mariners, Braves: Both clubs have big-time prospects set to take over at first base in Justin Smoak and Freddie Freeman, respectively. If either club is hesitant about their young options though (Freeman is just 21 years old, Smoak is 24), LaRoche could represent a solid stopgap.

When it’s all said and done, none of these teams are an ideal match; the Nationals represent the best fit for the 31-year-old LaRoche. Still, he and his agents at SFX could potentially drum up enough competition to either force the Nationals into a three-year commitment or find work elsewhere should the Nats hold their ground."

or others where the player was simply making far too much over their value, but a team might be willing to keep them and the player might want to stay if there was an option of a real negotiation. It was pretty clear the Cubs were moving on from Lee, but again I think it likely Maddux would have stayed with the Braves if it had been an option, especially one which gave him a chance to test the FA market. The Red Sox just re-signed Okajima under somewhat similar circumstances and I believe there have been other players who were not offered arb, but re-signed with their team. It was a bad rule, but I am glad it was in effect in 2003 because I doubt Maddux would have been a Cub again otherwise.