Over the past seven years, the Pirates have had seven different Opening Day first basemen. Adam LaRoche made three straight Opening Day starts from 2007-09, then the wheel started spinning: Jeff Clement, Lyle Overbay, Garrett Jones, Gaby Sanchez, Travis Ishikawa, Pedro Alvarez and John Jaso.
With a designated hitter in play at Fenway Park on April 3, Jaso could make his second consecutive Opening Day start at first. But this year should see the emergence of a new, long-term answer at the position.
The starter: Josh Bell
Bell showed he was ready for the big leagues this past season, beginning his career with a single off Jake Arrieta and a dramatic pinch-hit grand slam the following night at PNC Park.