Andy LaRoche

Proof positive that the Pirates mixed youth with plenty of trades in 2009 is the fact that LaRoche was the only positional player to collect enough official at-bats (524) to even qualify for a potential batting title. Of course, LaRoche's line of .258/.330/.401 made that possibility moot, but it goes to show just how much the team is in transition. For his part, LaRoche supplied strong defense, anchoring an infield defense after a horrific start. His offense, on the other hand, never materialized the way Pittsburgh had hoped. A decent finish -- six homers and 20 RBI after Aug. 28 -- made his final numbers of 12 homers and 64 RBI somewhat more palatable, but more is expected from a corner infielder. LaRoche spent the month of October learning second base in the Instructional League, but will stay at third unless newly acquired Akinori Iwamura gets hurt at second. All bets are off when Pittsburgh recalls super-prospect third baseman Pedro Alvarez in June, but until then LaRoche's infield spot is secure.

LaRoche likely had Pirates executives scratching their heads after the team went out and picked up the third baseman as part of its Jason Bay deal. Thus far, his Triple-A numbers have yet to translate into big league success. LaRoche features a batting line of .295/.382/.517 in the minors, but just .184/.288/.272 in the majors. He looked overmatched in his two-month trial with the Pirates, batting only .152, but he will head into spring training with the third base job as his to lose. LaRoche better figure things out in a hurry with Neil Walker knocking on the door in 2009 and Pedro Alvarez in 2010.

LaRoche has been considered the organization's third baseman of the future for a few years now, and at age 24, 2008 could finally be his year. LaRoche hit just .226 in 91 at-bats with the club in 2007 with 20 walks, though his .988 OPS at Triple-A speaks more to his true ability. The Dodgers have been pursuing more high-profile third base options over the offseason, but should LaRoche be given the job, he'll be a nice sleeper, particularly in NL-only leagues.

LaRoche had some trouble once he reached Double-A in 2005, but to open 2006, the 2003 draft-and-follow selection improved his Double-A OPS 108 points, earning him a promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas where, like most good hitting prospects, he flourished. LaRoche suffered a labrum injury to his throwing shoulder in June, but it appears he'll be able to avoid surgery. LaRoche will likely get a chance to compete with Wilson Betemit for the third base job in spring training. He has .300/.400/.500 All-Star type ability, so keep him in mind come draft day.

The signing of Bill Mueller buys the Dodgers some time on LaRoche, which frankly he still needs. His half season at High-A Vero Beach really jumps out, and while he was clearly among the elite in the league, keep in mind that Vero played as the best hitter's park in the Florida State League. LaRoche could start out back in Double-A, but look for a rapid promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas.