Big Lead Sports Bar

6/11/2008

LAROCHE: THE BEST?

Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche is currently hitting .221 with six homers. On this date last year, he was hitting .211 with seven homers. In Atlanta in 2006, those numbers were .247 and 10, and in 2005, .249 and seven.

So the Pirates acquired this traditional late-bloomer before the 2007 campaign, and his early-season numbers since joining the Buccos have tailed off even below their previous depths. Although some would question the acquisition of such a player by a team that usually holds an annual fire sale in July, we've all learned to never question the wisdom of Dave Littlefield.

With that in mind, a Pirate fan created this incredible YouTube montage of The LaRoche Era, set to LaRoche's own at-bat theme song, "Karate Kid's" You're the Best. For any Pirate follower, it's a must-see.

With that as a backdrop, has anyone else realized that during the Pirates' decade-and-a-half of futility, the first base position has been manned by the revolving door of Sean Casey, Daryle Ward, Randall Simon, Kevin Young, Mark Johnson, and Brian Hunter? That might have something to do with the losing. Of course, pretty much every other position has the same situation, so my point is moot.

8 comments:

HotDog_Zanzabar said...

Coming out to that song is a direct slap in the face to the 500 positional players in the league that have better stats than he does.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall the next time Boras tries to negiotiate on of his contracts.

ManBearPig said...

Xavier Nady should be playing first. Put Nate in right and move up McCutcheon to center. Either they want to win or they don't. No matter how good of a fielder he is, they can't afford a .200 hitter at a traditional power position. Besides, Nady can play a good first base, certainly above average. There's no logical reason to not make this move. C'mon guys, if Laroche can't hit until August, don't let him hurt you now.

Sean said...

It makes you miss the days of Jason Thompson and Benny Distefano.

Dirty Sanchez said...

Only the Pirates could trade a pitcher that subsequently blew their arm out and still end up losing the trade.

Anonymous said...

You're also forgetting Craig Wilson, Matt Stairs, Brad Eldred, John Vander Wal, Jose Hernandez, Dale Sveum, etc.

Anonymous said...

I miss Mark Parent

Pops Freshenmeyer said...

At least LaRoche is still in the bigs. Mike Gonzalez is stuck in Richmond trying to work his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Pitched a scoreless inning and a third against Scranton last night, too. Didn't factor in the decision, because he pitched in the 7th and 8th, and the R-Braves won in 13.

The Duke from Dukes Court said...

I actually miss Dale Sveum