Peter Diana, Post-Gazette Pirates catcher Neil Walker works outs at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla. Click photo for larger image. More Pirates Coverage: Pirates Notebook: Perez likely to take mound today

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Neil Walker was waiting his turn behind a cage at Pirate City, leaning on his bat, wistfully soaking in the scenery.

To one side were the crackling bats of Major League Baseball players.

To the other was the endless grass of Pirate City's four-field complex, lit up by the cloudless sky.

And on his head was a spotless new Pirates cap, one that was not terribly different than those he had worn while growing up in Richland and attending games with his family at Three Rivers Stadium or PNC Park.

"It's hard to describe," he said, smiling wide. "I'm trying not to think about it too much, to be honest with you. But it's not easy. Everywhere you go around here, ordinary people are wearing Pirates stuff. It reminds me of growing up, of home. It's just such an honor for me to be part of this now."

Walker, still a baby-faced 19, is not part of the Pirates' big-league team yet. Nor is he close, ranking near the bottom of the organizational depth chart for catchers.

But he is a vital part of the team's future as its first-round pick, 11th overall, in the June amateur draft. And, because it was written into the contract he signed later that month, he is a participant in the major-league edition of this spring training.

Management already has determined he will open this season with Hickory of the low Class A South Atlantic League, so there is little Walker can do to elevate his immediate standing. But that should not be taken to mean, Walker made clear, that he has no goals for this camp.

"My approach is going to be that I need to take advantage of every day I'm here to learn as much as I can," he said. "Just being around Benito Santiago, Humberto Cota and the other catchers, having the chance to learn from them, I'm very fortunate to have that. You can't read too much into it, my being here and all. At the same time, there's a lot to be learned."

He seemed particularly struck by the presence of Santiago, a five-time All-Star entering his 20th major-league season.

"For me, it's just so valuable watching how he prepares every day. Even little stuff, before practice, during games, catching bullpens, whatever. With everything he's accomplished, I need to ask him as much as I can."

After being drafted, Walker spent the rest of the summer with rookie-level teams in Bradenton and Williamsport. In 60 games, he batted .277 with 15 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 27 RBIs.

Walker went home for the offseason, serving as a volunteer assistant coach for his old football team at Pine-Richland High School and teaching baseball clinics at the Diamond Training Center in Cranberry. The previous year, that training center was paying him to work the concession stand and sweep the floors.

Last month at the center, he caught a bullpen session for Pirates right-hander Ryan Vogelsong, marking his first experience with the velocity and movement of major-league pitches.

"That was an experience for me," Walker said. "You've got to make sure you're sharp or that thing can hit you right in the chest. It's a big adjustment."

Not likely as big as the one he will have to make in Hickory. In addition to being one of the youngest players in the league, Walker will face a 142-game schedule that will more than double any he has experienced.

"It's a great challenge for Neil, I think, because he can be pretty tough on himself," said Brian Graham, the Pirates' director of player development. "He's never been through anything like that, and it's a long grind for that first year. On top of that, we want him to improve his skills, too. But I'm confident he'll be a better player at the end of the season than he is now."

There is little that the Pirates do not like about the offensive potential of Walker, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound switch-hitter with a smooth, powerful stroke.

They express confidence about his defense, too, albeit more cautiously.

"I want to see Neil get better in receiving, game-calling, footwork, throwing, everything, and that's normal for a catcher his age," Graham said. "The receiving is the area we plan to concentrate on. He needs to be able to handle a 93 mph fastball and a big-time breaking ball."

Before the first formal workout yesterday, manager Lloyd McClendon sought out Walker to shake his hand and welcome him.

"I asked him if he was enjoying his first camp, and he was excited," McClendon said. "I think it can be very valuable for him to be here. I think back to my first camp and how exciting it was to be around all the veteran players, all the things you can learn. I think it's going to be good for him."