North Shore Notes
Prospect Watch
By Drew Walters

Pedro Alvarez

Alvarez was drafted 2nd Overall from Vanderbilt in the 2008 draft by the Pirates and is currently playing for the Class A Lynchburg Hillcats. Alvarez, who hit 22 home runs as a freshman in college (a Vanderbilt record), put his power on display in spring training - and his teammates noticed. "The first time I ever saw him in [batting practice], he was hitting balls like 100 feet over the fence," said Eric Hinske. "I mean, seriously. He was hitting balls over the parking lot at Pirate City. I was like, 'Sheez, who is this dude?'"

Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen was drafted 11th overall by the Pirates in 2005, turning down a scholarship to the University of Florida. Widely considered one of the top prospects in the league, McCutchen batted .318 and had a team-best 12 walks this spring before being sent down to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Jose Tabata

Currently playing for Double-A Altoona Curve, Tabata was acquired in the deal that sent Xavier Nady to the Yankees. Tabata, a five-tool prospect, is fond of his new home: "I think it's better for me," he said before suiting up against the Yankees in spring training. "I have more of a chance here."

Steven Pearce

Currently playing for the Triple-A Indianapolis club in the outfield, Pearce was drafted in the eighth round of 2005 draft. Since joining the organization, the 26 year old has batted .289 in the Pirates' minor-league system with a .362 on-base percentage.

Neil Walker

A Pittsburgh native and Pine-Richland High School graduate, Walker was drafted by the Pirates in the first round of the 2004 draft. Walker has only hit .237 over the last three seasons in Triple-A Indianapolis and is still a long-term prospect.

Robbie Grossman

Drafted in sixth round of the 2008 draft by the Pirates, Grossman is a Texas University product.