Alumni Update - Neil Walker (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Neil Walker is having a disappointing season offensively for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, the Pine-Richland High School graduate is drawing raves for his defense at second base.

"He has become a very good second baseman," said Pirates special instructor Bill Mazeroski, a Hall of Fame second baseman. "He's gotten better each year. He's become a lot better at turning the double play. He's worked very hard to get better and it's good to see his hard work paying off."

Walker, 26, is in just his third season at second base as he began learning to play the position during spring training in 2010. Walker originally began his professional career as a catcher then was moved to third base.

Walker's offense has lagged behind his defense this season, though, as he is hitting .259 with four home runs and 30 RBIs in 69games. He hit .296 as a rookie in 2010 and .273 last season.