PITTSBURGH -- While the buzz surrounds the Pirates' attempt to sign No. 2 overall pick and third baseman Pedro Alvarez, it doesn't hurt to check in with the third baseman already currently waiting in the wings.

While he won't shy away from answering questions about Alvarez, Neil Walker will tell you he's frustrated at having the topic so readily brought up. Instead, he says, why not talk about the progress he's made in what is just his second full season as a third baseman?

It's near unanimous by those who have had their eye on Walker, who is in his first full year at Triple-A, that he is playing third base at a level well exceeding his experience there.

"When I stopped thinking, 'What if? What if? What if?' and just let things happen was when I really started to play very well," Walker explained.

With 15 errors in 96 games for Indianapolis, Walker is down seven from where he was a year ago with Double-A Altoona. Improvements have been noted in various other areas as well.

His first step to the ball has quickened. His anticipation has improved. He's making highlight-reel worthy snags on a consistent basis.

"He looks like a guy who has been playing third base for a long time," Triple-A Indianapolis manager Trent Jewett said. "At this point, I am very confident in saying that he has a chance to be an above-average defensive third baseman."

Encouraging, too, to those within the Minor League development system is the belief that an altered training regimen has Walker still physically strong, now almost four months into the season. It was at this time last year that Walker, in his words, "hit a wall" physically and never recovered.

"I think I learned enough in past seasons about how to get over the hump when I'm starting to feel tired or physically weak," he said. "I know when I need extra rest. I know the right type of food to put in my body. I know the right types of workouts to help you stay strong and do to stay energized."

It's evidenced by the stability in his offensive numbers. His average has dipped considerably this season, primarily due to having to adjust to Triple-A pitching. He is hitting just .235 to date. But the second-half offensive drop off that he had last year hasn't been there. He's actually hit .323 in the week since the All-Star break.

And despite a down average, Walker's production has actually been just fine. He leads the Indians with 14 homers and 55 RBIs.

"I was giving in early in the season to some of that stuff, but I've been much better lately," Walker said. "It's all a learning process. I feel very confident in what I'm doing here and things are only going to continue to improve."

And his manager couldn't be more pleased.

"I'm proud of his progress," Jewett said. "I think for a guy to be able to come to this level at that age and not only survive, but make progress and move forward, I think it's honorable."