Game 3: Vasquez in, Laroche out

Pirates (1-1) @ Cardinals (1-1) 8:15 Third baseman Andy Laroche has three errors in two games and is 0-6 at the plate on the season. No surprise, he will not be in tonight’s starting lineup. Third baseman Ramon Vasquez will make his first start in a Pirates uniform. Brandon Moss will also return to the lineup and start in RF. Pirates Lineup Nyjer Morgan, LF Freddy Sanchez, 2B Nate McLouth, CF Ryan Doumit, C Adam LaRoche, 1B Brandon Moss, RF Ramon Vazquez, 3B Jack Wilson, SS Zach Duke, P

Wednesday’s Spring Training Report

Brian Kelly Live from Bradenton Reports the following The buzz around Spring training continues to be Nate McLouth who signed a three year – $15.75 contract yesterday. Management has gone into spring training with a open mind regarding Prospect 3B Neil Walker. Walker begins Spring Training #2 on the Major League depth chart behind 3B Andy LaRoche. Laroche is expected to be the Pirates opening day starter at third but the Pirates are not very high on him. They were active in free agency pursuing a veteran third baseman. Good opportunity for Walker to make a strong impression in Spring Training for a potential callup by mid-season. Walker has fared well so far. Another very good day for the Pirates

Sunday’s Spring Training Report: Hinske arrives at Bradenton

Outfielder/infielder Eric Hinske, the Pirates top free agent signing this off-season, made his first appearance today in Bradenton. Hinske showed some power today in batting drills and he seems to believe he can have a 25 homerun season in 09. Hinske, 31, hit 20 home runs last season and signed a one year $1.5 million deal last month. Hinske sees Pittsburgh as a opportunity to improve his stats and hit the free agent market next season when hopefully the economy will be better. Hinske’s primary goal in spring training is to be the teams starting left fielder on opening day. If the first two days of workouts are any indication, the Pirates are going to go through a tougher spring