Adam LaRoche to DL; Brian Bixler Back

by Charlie Wilmoth on Jul 29, 2008 1:12 PM EDT

The Post-Gazette reports that Adam LaRoche has hit the DL with some sort of torso problem, so Brian Bixler will take his spot on the roster. Doug Mientkiewicz stands to inherit a good chunk of playing time as a result of LaRoche's absence. Let's hope LaRoche isn't out too long--he seems to take months finding his stroke at the beginning of the season, and if he sits out three weeks or something, I'm afraid he may lose it again.

Anyway, Bixler isn't a better bet to succeed now than he was at the beginning of the season, but he shouldn't receive as much playing time now, assuming Freddy Sanchez can come back at full strength.

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Romak, Negrych to Altoona; Delaney to Indy

Per Dejan’s PCB Blog:

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: Jason Delaney, one of the more patient, poised hitters in the system, has been promoted to play first base at Indianapolis. Also, veteran reliever Matt Miller retired.
UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: Jamie Romak and Jim Negrych up to Altoona from Lynchburg as part of the shuffle. Stop complaining now.

http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pbc/

by woobie on Jul 29, 2008 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

Negrych

The comment in today’s P-G about the Pirates wanting Negrych to stay in Lynchburg in order to learn how to play defense and because a change of surroundings may dramatically effect him was one of the more ridiculous I have seen. I’m guessing that isn’t really what was said.

Negrych isn’t 20, he needs to move and move fast. It doesn’t matter if he can’t field at all, if he hits .372, just keep moving him along. There is room for the Jeff Kepplingers and the Steve Pearces of the world in MLB. They certainly aren’t going to impress anyone with the glove. Negrych may never hit for much power, but a .400 OBP will get you to the bigs and keep you there.

The trades and injuries have the positive effect of finding out if what is around at the lower levels has much potential. Silver linings…....

by David Todd on Jul 29, 2008 3:34 PM EDT reply actions

Wilson deal soon?

Anyone find the Bixler promotion odd? I can understand bringing him up if Wilson is on his way out, but to bring him up as a utility infielder when we already have Gomez and Rivas on the bench really seems odd to me. If you want someone who can play some 2B while Freddy is healing, why not just play one of the guys we already have or add someone like Matt Kata. Thoughts?

by Brakeman8 on Jul 29, 2008 5:00 PM EDT reply actions