"Adam LaRoche possesses a laidback temperament, the kind of demeanor that ensures the Nationals will not have to worry about him following their pursuit of Prince Fielder. LaRoche wanted to remain the Nationals' first baseman, and he's happy now that he knows with certainty that he will. But he also spent more time this offseason sitting in a deer stand than worrying about the effect Fielder may have on his future.

"I can't say I cared about it," LaRoche said. "I didn't lose any sleep over it. It would have obviously been a disappointment. I think everybody knows we're turning the corner right now, and I wanted to be a part of that.

"I understand why stuff like that happens. I wouldn't have any grudges. I would have totally understood the business decision. Then again, it's fixing to get really exciting in D.C., and I want to be a part of it.""