The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially declined to pick up first baseman Adam LaRoche's contract option for the 2011 season. Though LaRoche and the team discussed an extension, it became clear that LaRoche wanted to test the free agent market and the team wanted to use its funds elsewhere.
The move leaves the team without a definitive option at first base, but it is rumored that the D-backs are making former Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko a "off-season priority."
However, Konerko, at age 34, is coming off his best statistical season ever, hitting .312 with 39 home runs and 111 RBI and may be out of range, price-wise, for a budget team already looking to fix glaring holes in the bullpen and starting rotation. He also played 23 games solely as a designated hitter last season, raising questions about his ability to endure an entire season at first base.