Adam LaRoche no longer needs to be asked the question. A reporter simply approaches, flicks on the tape recorder, utters the first syllable, and he begins ...

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Minor-league report

Tuesday's games

INDIANAPOLIS (43-49) and Columbus were suspended by rain.

ALTOONA (37-52) lost at Trenton, 8-0. RHP Josh Hill (4-11, 4.99) allowed three runs and four hits in 2 1/3 innings. LHP Dave Davidson (3.69) allowed one run and three hits in 2 1/3 innings of relief. 1B Jason Delaney (.300) went 1 for 4 with a double. CF Chris Duffy (.255) went 0 for 3 with a walk.

LYNCHBURG (40-48) was off.

HICKORY (36-51) was rained out at Lake County.

STATE COLLEGE (4-15) was off.

BRADENTON (7-9) lost to the Reds, 7-1. RHP Chris Aure (2-2, 4.22) allowed three runs and three hits in 1 2/3 innings. 3B Jarek Cunningham (.412) went 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

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"Isn't it crazy?" the Pirates' first baseman said with a wide smile yesterday afternoon. "I know what you're going to ask, and I don't know what to say anymore. I really don't. It's like I'm doing a study for Major League Baseball, like they hired me to stink on purpose for the first half, then to see if I can turn it on for the second half. I don't change a thing. I'm not doing anything different now than I was a month and a half ago."

Except hitting, of course.

LaRoche's average was at .216 through June 21, extending his annual early-season slumber by an uncomfortable three weeks. Today, it is at .250 after he went 3 for 4 last night with his 10th home run and a double. He is 14 for his past 25, with seven extra-base hits.

Heard this story before?

Tired of it yet?

So is he, from the sound of it.

"I don't know. Maybe I get excited about the All-Star break and going back to the ranch for a couple days," LaRoche said. "Shoot, this is stupid. You know what? I'm looking forward to next year right now. Seriously. Opening day 2009. A chance to try this again. Just let me hit .250 in the first half. How about that? That would be all right."

It probably would have a significant impact on a team that tends to see its seasons lose meaning at this point.

"I know. That's the thing. I don't care about the numbers because I know where they'll be at the end of the year. Somehow, they show up. What I care about is this: How much better would our record be right now if I was part of the team for the first couple months and not just wasting space? That's how I look at it."

LaRoche adjusted his offseason regimen significantly, spending extra time in batting cages and working through a detailed spring plan to accelerate his readiness. And it all went fine, once again, until the real games began.

"This isn't physical. It's weird, but true. It doesn't matter if I hit three hours a day or three hours a week if the problem isn't physical. I just ..."

He laughed.

"I have no idea."

Thumb no problem

One possible excuse for this poor start by LaRoche would be the continued discomfort between the thumb and wrist on his right hand, which began in the season's opening week. But, then as now, he will not use it.

Still, he wears a brace on it when on the basepaths to prevent further damage.

Big night for Van Benschoten

The Pirates are not outwardly pressuring John Van Benschoten in advance of his start tonight, but he probably needs to do well to get another chance. He has a 10.64 ERA in six appearances this season, including two starts.

"I feel good, and I'm just going to go out and pitch," he said. "Besides, this can't be more pressure than pitching in Cincinnati with all the people that were there for me."

He lasted 2 1/3 innings in his hometown and allowed the Reds five runs.

Taubenheim injured

Ty Taubenheim, a starter at Class AAA Indianapolis who made a quality spot start June 28 for the Pirates, was placed on the minor league disabled list because of a strained right elbow. The injury is not thought serious.

Buried treasure

• Starter Bryan Bullington, removed from the 40-man roster last week, has been placed on waivers. The Pirates will not know if he has cleared until tomorrow.

• The rainout makeup with the New York Yankees tomorrow will feature the same pitching matchup as the original: Paul Maholm vs. Mike Mussina.

• Tickets could become available for that game within the next day. Fans are advised to check with the box office or online.