2012 Roster Possibilities: Second Base

    Alright, there is only one possibility at second for the 2012 Pirates, and that is obviously Neil Walker.  The Pittsburgh Kid had another pretty good season for the Buccos, hitting .273 with a .742 OPS, and he led all NL second basemen in RBI with 83.  He also became a much better  defensive second baseman.  Some people may have seen his production at the plate a little disappointing compared to what he did last year, but you have to remember he never had a great season in the upper levels of the minors, so don’t expect too much from him.  He could very well be a .300 hitter with 20 HR’s a year someday, but that is very unlikely to happen.  His ceiling in the majors is probably about a .285 hitter with around 15-20 HR’s while playing above average defense at second and being an energy player for his team.  The Pirates were rumored to be in extension talks with Walker after they extended Tabata, but it doesn’t seem like too much progress has been made since then.  Since Walker is from Pittsburgh, he should definitely be willing to sign an extension, and it is probable that the deal will be completed this off-season.