It’s not easy being traded from a perennial playoff team to one that hasn’t made the playoffs in almost 15 years. But, that’s what happened to former Atlanta Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche. Adam is finishing his first year as a Pittsburgh Pirate and the Buccos are in their customary cellar spot in the N. L. Central.
Baseball can be fun in the Major Leagues when the team is winning. But, when the team is losing the “dog days” of August can become a grind. When playing for a team such as Pittsburgh, that’s basically been out of the race since May, it’s even more discouraging.
LaRoche doesn’t play like a man discouraged or a player that’s struggling. It’s true that earlier in the year he was pressing, trying to prove that the Pirates had made a good trade in dealing for him. Now he’s more relaxed and is having a solid second half of the season. For a player not used to losing it might be easy to stay focused in the last month of the season. But LaRoche is proving to be a true “professional” and gives maximum effort every time he’s on the field.
As of this week, LaRoche was tied for the team lead in home runs with 18 he has 71 RBI’s and is hitting .259. By the end of the season, if he stays healthy, his numbers could be very solid. It’s easy to overlook players that don’t play on winning teams. But, the 2007 season for Adam LaRoche is one to be appreciated, not neglected.
You can listen to our club house conversation with Adam LaRoche on the Saturday, August 25th edition of Sports Spectrum. He talks about his first year in Pittsburgh and the adjustments he’s had to make.
What do you think of Adam LaRoche and the Pittsburgh Pirates?
Frank Giardina
One Response to “PIRATES LAROCHE IS A QUIET STANDOUT”
I wasn’t too impressed with Adam at first…in fact thought maybe he was just not happy about coming to the Pirates and out of spite was going to do lousy. But he has thankfully proved me wrong! I don’t know if things just clicked or he got mad at himself for the way he was playing or what, but he is impressive to say the least.
Interestingly I have noticed after attending about 10 games so far this year…….that once a guy is booed by the Pirates fans at a couple games, things turn around. Maybe they are out to prove the fans wrong? I saw it happen with LaRoche…..then Paulino. I hope it happens soon with Arma because heaven knows we have booed him!
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