Who's on First for Pittsburgh Pirates?: Is it Pedro Alvarez?

(Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)

Much has been made of the status of current Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche. 

It seems like everyone is waiting for his hot streak to start—and then for him to be traded to someone in dire need of a first baseman who can hit down the stretch.

The problem that the Pirates have in trading LaRoche really has nothing to do with his salary.  The Pirates could take on part of his contract in a deal or a team could choose to take on his salary and give the Pirates lesser prospects in return.

Either way, LaRoche will likely have his ticket punched before the July 31st deadline for non-waiver trades.

The problem is not what to do with LaRoche.  Plenty of teams have apparently inquired about his services, with the San Francisco Giants being the latest to kick the tires.

The problem is what to do without LaRoche.  The Pirates do not have a can't miss prospect sitting in the minor leagues or on the bench waiting to step into his shoes.

There are several guys who could fill the role on an interim basis.

Garrett Jones has been hot with the bat since his call-up from Triple-A Indianapolis and can play first base or in the outfield.  He's also a left-handed hitter, which would match LaRoche.  If Jones' hitting continues, he would be the most likely candidate to take over at first.

The problem with moving Jones to the infield is that it only creates another hole in the outfield.  So moving Jones does little to solve the Pirates' problem.

Steve Pearce has had noted success in the minors.  The problem is that he can't seem to translate that into a solid major league stint.  Pearce's career major-league average is a paltry .254 (48-189), with almost as many strikeouts (40) as hits. 

Pearce is 1-for-12 since his call to action in 2009, making him an unlikely candidate for everyday duty.

So the foregone conclusion is that the Pirates will limp through the rest of the season if LaRoche is traded.  Jones moving to first would also likely only put Pearce in the outfield spot.

But what about beyond 2009?  The Pirates surely can't limp along at the position forever.

What about Pedro Alvarez?

He's big for a third baseman, right?  Why not move him over to first and let him develop there?

Kent Tekulve has already alluded to this on FSN several times.  It makes the most sense for a team that already has Andy LaRoche and Neil Walker in the system. 

LaRoche is coming around after a slow start and Walker seems primed to break out at any time.

Alvarez would give the Pirates just the type of slugging first baseman they need, and would remove the problem of what to do with LaRoche and Walker when the time comes for Alvarez to debut.

The sought-after hitting stats for third and first base are similar, and Alvarez's body structure and size would lend themselves much better to first base than third. 

Is it a perfect solution?  No.  Anytime a player is asked to switch positions, the organization is taking a huge risk. 

Is it the best solution available without trading to acquire a first baseman from somebody else? Yes.

The Pirates want to continue to trade for valuable pitching prospects and a few other spots. They are also said to be seeking help at shortstop—another depth trouble spot. 

Why waste trades on a position that you can fill from within?

Does Alvarez come up in 2009?  No. 

Does he debut before the end of 2010 at first base?  I think so.

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