Leading the major leagues with his fourth homerun of the spring, forgotten Pirates prospect Brad Eldred suddenly finds himself back in demand, according to widespread reports.
Pirates GM David Littlefield has been answering numerous inquiries about the availability of the 6-foot-5, 250-pound first baseman, 26, who spent the last two years on the Indianapolis Indians roster after first being sent down due to the acquistion of Sean Casey, then Adam La Roche.
Though Eldred's knowledge of the strike zone has been questioned, there's little doubt about his power. He reportedly has expressed to management his displeasure about being passed over once again.
Teams looking for help at first base since last season include the Red Sox, Orioles and Angels.
Doctor X -- the 'Baseball Medic' -- is an anonymous U.S. government trauma specialist with a Duke University sports medicine background and more than 20 years experience in emergency medicine. From time to time he considers MLB rumors, events and news reports as they pertain to baseball players' injuries, illnesses and various other disabilities, both on the field and off.
MLB Rumors editor Greg Fieg is a former sports news editor and award-winning writer whose bylines have appeared on the wires of the Associated Press and in numerous publications, including San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Light, Houston Chronicle and Philadelphia Bulletin. He formerly was posted in various positions on the U.S.-Mexican border with Freedom Newspapers, and was a regular, independent contributor to United Press International.