--1B Adam LaRoche and 3B Andy LaRoche batted fifth and sixth in the order Monday to become the first set of brothers to hit back-to-back in the Pirates lineup since Hall of Famers Lloyd and Paul Waner batted first and second for a majority of the 1938 season. The LaRoches were split up in the order Tuesday night, though, as Eric Hinske batted sixth while Andy LaRoche was dropped to No. 7.
--OF Craig Monroe was the only non-roster player to make the opening-day roster after leading the club with eight home runs and 16 RBIs in exhibition play. Monroe's eight homers were the most by a Pirates' player in spring training since Craig Wilson hit eight in 2005. Monroe figures to be the Pirates' top right-handed pinch hitter and spell LF Nyjer Morgan against tough left-handed starters. --LF Nyjer Morgan led the Pirates with six stolen bases this spring but was also caught four times for a poor 60 percent success rate. His on base percentage was also just .283 in 92 plate appearances, another disturbing statistic for a player the Pirates are counting upon to be their leadoff hitter.
BY THE NUMBERS: .202 -- OF Craig Monroe's batting average when he was released by Minnesota last August.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It was a very satisfying spring. I worked very hard last offseason to give myself a chance to get back to the major leagues. I really believed I still had something left and I proved it to both myself and the Pirates." -- OF Craig Monroe.
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