Pittsburgh Pirates: Analyzing the New Top of Order (Andrew McCutchen Hits Third)

According to Colin Dunlap of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (click here for the article), Pirates’ manager Clint Hurdle has revealed how he envisions his lineup, at least for the early part of the season:

1. Jose Tabata – LF
2. Neil Walker – 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen – CF
4. Lyle Overbay – 1B
5. Pedro Alvarez – 3B

That is pretty much what I have been saying over the past few weeks, with the exception of Overbay in the cleanup spot (I had figured they would use Garrett Jones there until they deemed Alvarez ready). 

We all know that Overbay is not a cleanup hitter (only twice hitting at least 20 HR and having less than 70 RBI each of the past four seasons) and will likely not last long in the role.

However, that will be an easy fix, with Alvarez growing into the role.  The shakeup at the top, if permanent, has a major effect on all parties involved.

Jose Tabata

While hitting first or second isn’t going to be a major impact on his production, Tabata may be given more opportunities to run now.  Last season he stole 19 bases in 405 AB for the Pirates, as well as 25 in 224 AB at Triple-A. 

While he had never shown that type of ability in the past, he is still just 22 years old.  He was always known for having a ton of potential, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to see him continue to run wild on the base paths.

Also, with McCutchen and Alvarez now hitting behind him, the opportunity to score runs is going to increase significantly.  Granted, it still isn’t going to be the best offense in the league, but seeing Tabata score at least 90 runs would not be surprising.

Neil Walker

The effects on Walker may be the biggest of anyone, though this move really shouldn’t be a surprising one. 

Walker does not bring power or speed to the table.  In fact, he doesn’t even bring elite average upside with him.  The third spot is supposed to be reserved for the team’s best hitter, and Walker is far from it.

In the second slot he may bring a little bit more run potential to the table, but those who envisioning him as a source of RBI are going to be sorely disappointed. 

While he had 66 RBI in 426 AB in 2010, if he spends the entire season hitting second that may be his upside.  If we are talking about a 75 R/65 RBI second baseman, is that really something that is overly attractive?  It could be, if he brought speed or power, but with 15 HR and 5 SB likely his upside, there just isn’t much there.

At this point, Walker should be considered a low-end option in all formats.

Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen will be following the path of Hanley Ramirez, moving from the leadoff spot to the three hole.  If you are concerned that he may not run as much, he was quoted in the article as saying:

“There is nothing that is going to stop me. I am still going to be aggressive in that regard.”

That’s certainly what owners want to hear.  Long term, McCutchen has the potential to develop into a 100/100 option hitting in this spot in the lineup, though that is a lot to ask from him in 2011. 

Would it be surprising if he reached the 80/80?  Could he push 90/90?  It certainly wouldn’t be a shocking number to see.

McCutchen is one of the most dynamic players in the game and should be viewed like one.  He’s already likely a Top 10 outfielder and could develop into a first round fantasy pick as soon as 2012.

What are your thoughts of the Pirates lineup?  Who is the big winner?  Who is the big loser?

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Make sure to check out our 2011 rankings:

• Top 15 Catchers
• Top 15 First Basemen
• Top 15 Second Basemen
• Top 15 Third Basemen
• Top 15 Shortstops
• Top 30 Outfielders
• Top 30 Starting Pitchers
• Top 15 Closers

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