Who's On First

That might sound like a dumb question right now. Of course the answer is Adam LaRoche, but for how long? This season is currently his last on his contract, unless the Pirates and LaRoche were to come to some agreement between now and the end of season. The prospects of the two sides coming to an agreement seem to be very far off, as the team has approached his representation in the past and the two sides seem to be far apart.

If indeed LaRoche is headed out of town, what does that mean for first base for the Pirates? It seems obvious that LaRoche may be headed out of town before the season even ends, and when he does leave who will be there?

Management has seemingly soured on Steve Pearce. Pearce has been given some opportunities in the majors, maybe not enough to show what he can do, but management just does not see 'it' from him, at least right now. So if not Pearce then who? The rest of Indianapolis are guys that have seemingly been lost in the minor league shuffle. Guys like Adam Boeve and a cast of minor league free agents. A combination of one of them, Hinske, or Pearce could get us through this season, but what of next?

There currently is no prospect that anyone can say is ready to play first base in the majors. Some have floated the idea of moving one of the many third basemen to first. Maybe Andy LaRoche? Neil Walker? Pedro Alvarez? That might be the most likely scenario, as you can almost bet the farm that the team is not going to sign a free agent.

While it is early in the season, the story of Adam LaRoche is probably going to be the story to watch this coming season. Many will be hoping he will hit early, which he won't, while others will be waiting for him to hit later in the year, which he will. I for one will be waiting to see what the team does, as it will be a major piece of the future of the franchise.