TBB Idea #4: Who's on Third?
With the team's first pick in last summer's draft, Pedro Alvarez helped the Pirates create one of the deepest third-base charts in baseball. Andy LaRoche, who was acquired in July as part of a three-team deal, has struggled mightily at the big league level. As 2008 ended, Neal Huntington noted that LaRoche is not a lock-on for 2009 at the hot corner. With that said, Spring Training should be quite interesting. Aside from the pitching spots that will be fought for, third base will (as of now) make for a good reenactment of World War II. Here's a list of the possible options in the the organization and options out of it for next year's starting role:
From the Pirates:
Andy LaRoche - Drafted by the Dodgers in the 39th round of the 2003 amateur draft
Neil Walker - Drafted by the Pirates in the 1st round of the 2004 amateur draft
Pedro Alvarez - Drafted by the Pirates in the 1st round of the 2008 amateur draft
(Draft information courtesy of Baseball Reference)
From Free Agency:
Rich Aurilia - .283, 10 HR, 52 RBI in 2008 with the Giants
Casey Blake - .274, 21 HR, 81 RBI in 2008 with the Dodgers/Indians
Joe Crede - .254, 17 HR, 55 RBI in 2008 with the White Sox
Mike Lamb - .235, 1 HR, 32 RBI in 2008 with the Brewers/Twins
Juan Uribe - .247, 7 HR, 40 RBI in 2008 with the White Sox
From Possible Trades:
None
My Pick: In an all perfect world, I'd love to see Casey Blake playing third at PNC Park, but that is highly unlikely (especially with Cleveland hoping to bring him back). It's best if Huntington and Frank Coonelly stick with LaRoche at third... at least until midseason. LaRoche was god awful with the Bucs following the trade, but an active spring with the club should help.
Walker (or even Alvarez) could be ready by mid/late 2009, so LaRoche better get off to a hot start. If trade candidates open up at third, Huntington should without a doubt explore those options.
Doug Mientkiewicz is always an option. Refer to my last write-up on the former Gold Glover.
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