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Patience playing off for LaRoche, Moss

     Patience.  That is what Pirates management has and we, the fans, do not.  Andy LaRoche started the season hitless in his first 18 at-bats.  How many of us wanted him benched because the Bucs have so much depth this year?  I did.  After his first couple hits, the broadcasters commented on how Andy LaRoche was hitting the ball hard, how he wasn't "lost" at the plate, how some of his at-bats ended because of good plays in the field. LaRoche remained confident and so did management.  Now he is batting .278 and is tied for second on the team with 18 RBIs.  If you take away the first 18 at-bats, Adam LaRoche is hitting .324.  Great job Andy. Now work on that power.
     Another player that the Pirates have been patient with is Brandon Moss.  The outfielder struggled to stay above the Mendoza line.  Now Moss is batting .259 and has been a key contributor in some of the recent Bucco victories.
     As for the team, isn't it refreshing to see the Pirates beating up a team that they should?  The Washington Nationals is just what the team needed to get back near .500.  Losing this series to the Nationals would have just about sealed the season.  But the Battlin' Bucs have shown they will not give up, even after an eight-game losing streak that dumped them in last place.  When the Pirates return home from Chicago, it's very possible they could be at .500.  After all, it is near Memorial Day, when the Pirates begin to excite fans with their competitive play.
By Jim Spezialetti