Post by FIUBlue82 on Apr 9, 2007 10:05:36 GMT -5
Some positive news from an FIU alum.
The Associated Press reports Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Brad Eldred hit his first home run since 2005 while making his 2007 debut Sunday, April 8. Eldred (thumb) missed nearly all of last season with a broken thumb and was limited to just 18 games with Triple-A Indianapolis.
And this:
www.post-gazette.com/pg/07099/776353-63.stm
Pirates Notebook: Tracy makes room for Eldred
Monday, April 09, 2007
By Paul Meyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
CINCINNATI -- Brad Eldred made his first career start in right field yesterday, and much of the reason for that was that Zach Duke was the Pirates' starting pitcher.
"If [Duke's] on his game, the ball's on the ground a lot more than it is in the air," manager Jim Tracy said.
Hence, not many fly balls to the outfield.
Another reason Tracy played Eldred in right field was that the game was played at cozy Great American Ball Park.
"It's not like you need a lot of range from your outfielders," Tracy said. "If the ball's in the air and hit fairly well, it normally doesn't hang around. It leaves."
Sometimes the ball even leaves when it doesn't "leave."
In Saturday's game, Cincinnati's Adam Dunn received credit for a home run when his high drive into right-center field caromed out of Xavier Nady's glove and into the seats.
Dunn yesterday acknowledged the gift by sending over a bottle of Nady's favorite beverage to the outfielder.
"Thanks for the home run," read Dunn's card.
Nady yesterday played center field with Eldred in right. Tracy didn't want to use Jason Bay in center field because the left fielder had offseason knee surgery. It makes little sense to put too much wear and tear on that knee.
Nady played only two innings in center field in spring training -- in the last exhibition game.
He did appear in 30 games, including 28 starts, in center field for San Diego in 2005.
"He played a very competitive center field when he was with the Padres," Tracy said. "He's capable of doing it. So you put Xavier Nady in center field and you get Brad Eldred to home plate.
"Otherwise, you're completely negating the progress [Eldred] made if you don't get him an opportunity to hit against live pitching. He's not going to be any good as a pinch-hitter getting three at-bats every three weeks. It's just no good."
Eldred, who missed most of last season after left thumb surgery, hit .303 with six home runs and 13 RBIs in 66 at-bats this spring.
The Associated Press reports Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Brad Eldred hit his first home run since 2005 while making his 2007 debut Sunday, April 8. Eldred (thumb) missed nearly all of last season with a broken thumb and was limited to just 18 games with Triple-A Indianapolis.
And this:
www.post-gazette.com/pg/07099/776353-63.stm
Pirates Notebook: Tracy makes room for Eldred
Monday, April 09, 2007
By Paul Meyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
CINCINNATI -- Brad Eldred made his first career start in right field yesterday, and much of the reason for that was that Zach Duke was the Pirates' starting pitcher.
"If [Duke's] on his game, the ball's on the ground a lot more than it is in the air," manager Jim Tracy said.
Hence, not many fly balls to the outfield.
Another reason Tracy played Eldred in right field was that the game was played at cozy Great American Ball Park.
"It's not like you need a lot of range from your outfielders," Tracy said. "If the ball's in the air and hit fairly well, it normally doesn't hang around. It leaves."
Sometimes the ball even leaves when it doesn't "leave."
In Saturday's game, Cincinnati's Adam Dunn received credit for a home run when his high drive into right-center field caromed out of Xavier Nady's glove and into the seats.
Dunn yesterday acknowledged the gift by sending over a bottle of Nady's favorite beverage to the outfielder.
"Thanks for the home run," read Dunn's card.
Nady yesterday played center field with Eldred in right. Tracy didn't want to use Jason Bay in center field because the left fielder had offseason knee surgery. It makes little sense to put too much wear and tear on that knee.
Nady played only two innings in center field in spring training -- in the last exhibition game.
He did appear in 30 games, including 28 starts, in center field for San Diego in 2005.
"He played a very competitive center field when he was with the Padres," Tracy said. "He's capable of doing it. So you put Xavier Nady in center field and you get Brad Eldred to home plate.
"Otherwise, you're completely negating the progress [Eldred] made if you don't get him an opportunity to hit against live pitching. He's not going to be any good as a pinch-hitter getting three at-bats every three weeks. It's just no good."
Eldred, who missed most of last season after left thumb surgery, hit .303 with six home runs and 13 RBIs in 66 at-bats this spring.