Pirates To Trade LaRoche?

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates may be preparing a trade involving Adam LaRoche to make room for top prospect Steve Pearce, who has been taking games at first base down in Triple-A. Pearce is batting .264 with 6 HR in 56 games at Triple-A, but did very good during his first experience in the big leagues in 2007. LaRoche is batting .211 with 6 HR in 55 games and really has not shown any signs of improvement. If the Pirates were to dump him, they might be able to land another struggling player in hopes that he turns around as well.

There are not many teams that need a struggling first baseman right now, so nothing appears imminent. However, it is possible the Royals or Rangers would make a move for him. LaRoche would make for a good DH/1B in the American League and it is possible a change of scenery would benefit him.