A 1-2 punch of Tabata, McCutchen at top of the lineup could provide Pirates with type of "small ball" they want to play

Photo: David Hague - Inside Pittsburgh Sports

*Pirates management talked extensively coming into the season about being more aggressive on the basepads at the top of their lineup. At one point in April the Pirates led the National League in stolen bases but have gotten away from that philosophy in the month of May.

Andrew McCutchen led the Pirates with 10 stolen bases in the month of April. All of a sudden he has just two stolen bases in May (21 games) and has not attempted to steal a base in nine games. McCutchen is second in the NL with 12 stolen bases. The Pirates moving McCutchen to the No. 3 spot has been pegged as the primary reason.

*Neil Walker has rejuvenated his career in the minors and now gets the opportunity to show that can be a regular at the MLB level. Walker was over matched at the plate during his September callup, batting .194. Scouts now believe Walker will have different results this time around and has improved in all areas in his game.

In the field Walker brings versatility. In Triple-A, Walker saw time at first base, second base, third base, left field (14 starts) and  has committed just 1 error this season.

Walker made 21 starts at second base and it's a position that he appeared very comfortable playing. After Steve Pearce was called up, Walker made 7 starts at first base.