Alvarez is the future franchise player the Pirates organization has been thirsty for (Trev Stair/Flickr).

The Pittsburgh Pirates' only chance for digging out of the deep, deep hole they have dug themselves into is by growing from within like other small market clubs (Minnesota and Tampa Bay) have done over the years. The problem with that is they are a very top-heavy organization with two, possibly three, superstar calibur players at the top, but not much else lining up behind them. It is critical that they develop these players as they have shown they are not the type of organization to go out and pay for talent. So they sure better make use of the potential they have. Here are the top five prospects in the Pirates organization.

1.) Andrew McCutchen
Position: Outfield | Statistics | Video | 2008 Rank: #1
Bats: Right | Throws: Right | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 175
Scouting Report: Andrew McCutchen is an exciting player with a stellar glove in centerfield. Despite his great defensive prowess, his impact bat may be his best skill. McCutchen has quick hands and a compact swing which produces a surprising amount of power for someone of his stature. He is a line drive hitter due to his quick bat speed and is able to hit consistently to all fields. While he has had his struggles at times, the Pirates organization is hoping he will still be their shining star in center very, very soon.

2.) Pedro Alvarez
Position: Third Base | Statistics | Video | 2008 Rank: NR
Bats: Left | Throws: Right | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 212
Scouting Report: Well he had a pretty impressive college career and there’s nothing saying it won’t translate to the big leagues. Alvarez is a big, strong left-handed hitting third baseman who was very coveted in last year’s draft. He is a very polished hitter with some good power which should pick up right where he left off at Vanderbilt. While his defense and arm are nothing special (average at best) it is good enough to stay at the hot corner. Some have suggested a possible move to first base but I don’t think that’s necessary at this point. He suffered a broken hamate bone at the end of last season which has caused him a bit of a slow recovery in his power. This should hopefully not linger for too long as it is a big part to his overall game. Regardless it shouldn’t take long for him to be at the top of the Pirates prospect list as well as baseball’s in general.

3.) Jose Tabata
Position: Outfield | Statistics | Video | 2008 Rank: #3 (for Yankees)
Bats: Right | Throws: Right | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 160
Scouting Report: With seemingly little room in the big leagues for him with the constant signing of older players, Tabata was finally traded out of the Yankees system last season. The Pirates are just the type of organization where he can receive a fair chance to show what good hitting prowess he has. Tabata is an excellent hitter and hits the ball hard all over the field. Due to this and his great plate discipline, he looks to have the makeup to be a potential batting champion competitor someday. He has developing power that has been hampered by a lingering wrist injury the past couple of years so it will be interesting to see if he develops into a slugger. Is above average defensively and will round out at a corner outfield position. I’m a big fan of Tabata and think he can develop into something special.

4.) Neil Walker
Position: Third Base | Statistics | Video | 2008 Rank: #2
Bats: Both | Throws: Right | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215
Scouting Report: The much debated move of Neil Walker from catcher to the hot corner last season appears to have paid off. Of course this isn’t too surprising given Walker’s fantastic athletic ability as well as his soft, quick hands and defensive prowess. The big fear is whether or not his bat would carry over to the hot corner and so far it has. Walker has a strong frame with muscular arms and legs which give him fabulous power potential as line drives jump off his bat. He has excellent physical make-up which is why they decided to take the risk which now that it has paid off, should get him to the pros quickly especially if Andy LaRoche continues to struggle. The problem of course is the other guy on this list who plays third and how quickly he ascends to the majors. Walker could find himself on another team very quickly.

5.) Brad Lincoln
Position: Pitcher | Statistics | Video | 2008 Rank: #5
Bats: Left | Throws: Right | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180
Scouting Report: Now I know many Pirates fans will argue with me about this, but I think this guy deserves an opportunity to bounce back. Brad Lincoln was the Pirates top overall pick in the 2006 draft. He had a good start to his new career until the injuries started mounting up. First he was hit with an oblique injury which was followed up by a Tommy John surgery causing him to miss all of 2007. He had an up and down return last season but I believe he will start to get stronger heading into this season as it takes about a year after the surgery to regain your stuff. Before going down he had a good moving fastball which sat in the mid-90’s as well as a hard breaking curveball. He had a little trouble with the command of his pitches before the injury so it will definitely be a tougher battle now. I think if given the chance he can be a serviceable back of the rotation starter for the Pirates.