March 7, 2009

Pirates Win, Moss Injured

The Pirates get good pitching, poor base running, and an Adam LaRoche sighting.  The bigger news of the day was the injured thumb of right fielder Brandon Moss. 

Moss was injured in the second inning while attempting to catch a Michael Cuddyer triple to right.

Moss is scheduled for an MRI on the thumb Saturday night in Bradenton.

BTW Take:

Depending on the extent of the injury, remember what a damaged ligament did for Andy LaRoche last year, a position in right may have just opened up to start the season.  It could be interesting who would fill that spot.  McCutchen would be an interesting choice, he as made some good contact this spring, he just has nothing to show for it average wise.  The Pirates likely would go a different route, to save on service time with McCutchen.

Craig Monroe is likely on the team anyhow, for no other reason than having a right handed bat.

Jeff Salazar and Steve Pearce are the two players who could reap the greatest benefit if the injury sidelines Moss for any extended period of time.  Salazar is the better defender of all but McCutchen.  Pearce and Monroe are the bigger bats.  Pearce needs to work at first, to step in after Adam LaRoche is moved later in the season.  My money is on Salazar in a platoon with Monroe if Moss is to miss any significant time. 

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