Who's on First for Pittsburgh Pirates?: Is it Pedro Alvarez?

Much has been made of the status of current Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche.  It seems like everyone is waiting for his hot streak to start—and then for him to be traded to someone in dire need of a first baseman who can hit down the stretch. The problem that the Pirates have in trading LaRoche really has nothing to do with his salary.  The Pirates could take on part of his contract in a deal or a team could choose to take on his salary and give the Pirates lesser prospects in return. Either way, LaRoche will likely have his ticket punched before the July 31st deadline for non-waiver trades. The problem is not what to do with LaRoche.  Plenty of teams have apparently inquired about his services, with the San Francisco Giants being the latest to kick the tires. The problem is what to do without LaRoche.  The Pirates do not have a can't miss prospect sitting in the minor leagues or on the bench waiting to step into his shoes. There are several guys who...