Same absentminded LaRoche of old. Is he off the meds?

Adam LaRoche, originally uploaded by FLC.

Last year, then Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche was the subject of an ESPN “Outside the Lines” episode, in which it was suggested that the slugger’s use of ADD medication, and not his play against lefties, was the reason his numbers began to climb.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, ever the flip-flopping publication, went on LaRoche’s defense, asking readers if they thought the ESPN segment was “unfair.”

Well, now that he’s no longer with the Braves, the AJC feels they can bounce around words like “absentminded” when referring to LaRoche as if they were his middle name.

LaRoche shows trade hasn’t changed him

By DAVID O’BRIEN

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 03/03/07

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Things haven’t changed entirely for Adam LaRoche, who showed up with the Pittsburgh Pirates to play his old team wearing No. 96.

“First game, forgot my jersey,” said the famously absentminded former Braves first baseman, who will wear No. 25 this season, “in honor of Andruw Jones.”

LaRoche hit fourth and went 0-for-2 with a groundout and flyout in two plate appearances in a 5-4, 10-inning loss to the Braves at Wide World of Sports, his first Grapefruit League game for the Pirates .

“This is what you get when you get traded,” Braves shortstop Edgar Renteria said of the No. 96 on his black jersey.

“What’s up, dude? What’s with that number?” Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said to LaRoche, after coming from behind him and surprising him with a hug.

The game was televised on ESPN, and broadcasters poked fun at LaRoche for the jersey snafu. “It’s all right; I’m used to it,” he said, smiling.

Har, har, jolly old “absentminded” LaRoche, forgot his jersey, har, har. All fun and games; but don’t you suggest that the medicine he takes for his “absentmindedness” might be enhancing his performance, lest you treat him “unfairly.”