Each was drafted 11th over all, Walker in 2004 and McCutchen in 2005. Yet Walker recognized a kindred spirit in the slightly younger player. The Pirates were then in the second decade of a playoff drought that eventually hit 20 seasons. “We took it upon ourselves to do everything in our power to get the most out of our talent and the talent around us,” Walker said. Stocked with young talent, the breakthrough felt like only the beginning.

Source: New York Times September 08, 2018 19:41 UTC