PITTSBURGH - Pirate first baseman Adam LaRoche appears to be in jeopardy of attaining his preseason goal of batting 027, and acknowledged to reporters yesterday that he may have to reset his goals.
LaRoche’s batting average soared upward to .168 yesterday, due mostly to a fluke multiple hit (3 for 4) game on May 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers. “I tried as hard as possible to avoid making contact with the ball, but [Brewers pitcher Jeff] Suppan kept throwing right at my bat” said LaRoche.
LaRoche joined the Pirates in an off season trade with the Atlanta Braves, and upon learning of the trade, decided that the Pirates would be the ideal team to attempt to “bat his age,” which has never been accomplished by any major league player. LaRoche, also an avid golfer, may instead attempt to earn his PGA tour card while playing first base for the Pirates. “If I can get my average to below .072, I may make one of the PGA qualifiers later this year,” said LaRoche.
