Pedro Alvarez News

Next season, either Steve Pearce or Jeff Clement could be the Pirates' starting first baseman or at least a power-hitting threat off the bench.

Pittsburgh Pirates The Pirates keep rebuilding, rebuilding, rebuilding. They have a strong and deep collection of prospects, but the problem has always been getting them to hit at once so they don't have to usher good players out the door because they get too expensive.

The Pirates' acquisition of Akinori Iwamura a week ago not only solidified second base for 2010, but it also clarified Andy LaRoche's future in the infield as well.

Developing . No word on who's going to Tampa. More later. Analysis Update: I have mixed feelings about this trade.

In an e-mail, Toby Hyde from Mets Minor League Blog had the following to say, regarding my earlier post about the Mets and drafting over slot: a oeI think the system is more fair than most people give it credit for.A The draft, and the current amateur signing structure rewards teams who plan ahead and allocate resources to the process.A The Mets ...

Here is part three in a seven-part series that will take an in-depth look at how each of the Pirates' Minor League affiliates fared during the 2009 season.

Here is part two in a seven-part series that will take an in-depth look at how each of the Pirates' Minor League affiliates fared during the 2009 season.

This ballot is for the Baseball Bloggers Alliance , a group of baseball bloggers who are pooling votes together to give out our own post-season award.

I had to give lab meeting this week, which is why posting has been a bit light the last few days.

It's the first Inbox edition of what is set to be an interesting offseason for the Pirates.

Brad Lincoln, rhp, Altoona 11. Hector Rondon, rhp, Akron 12. Josh Reddick, of, Portland 13.

Altoona Curve third baseman Pedro Alvarez was ranked the top prospect in the Eastern League by Baseball America.

Danny Espinosa, ss, Potomac 11. Danny Duffy, lhp, Wilmington 12. Anthony Rizzo, 1b, Salem 13.

The Pirates have spoken with Andy LaRoche about moving from third base to second next year to make room for top prospect Pedro Alvarez, though such a move is far from definite.

Nothing is certain yet, but the Pirates have spoken with incumbent third baseman Andy LaRoche about working out at second base , with the hope that Pedro Alvarez can take over at third base in Pittsburgh by the middle of next season.

A few weeks ago, I read an article that talked about how the Pirates are considering moving Andy Laroche to second base in 2010, to make room for either third baseman Pedro Alvarez or Neil Walker .

Whether Anthony Claggett will make his Pirates' debut before the season ends next week is to be determined.

Big honor for WV Power hurler. COURTESY: Pittsburgh Pirates Media Relations The Pittsburgh Pirates today named third baseman Pedro Alvarez their minor league Player-of-the- Year and Rudy Owens their minor league Pitcher-of-the-Year for the 2009 season.

While their parent club finishes up another lost season, two of the Pirates' top prospects now own gold medals.

General manager Neal Huntington said he does not expect top prospect Pedro Alvarez to make his major-league debut until at least the middle of next season.