ATLANTA -- Elite double-play combos have been a baseball staple since the era of Tinkers-to-Evers-to-Chance. But the combination that has the Pirates leading the Majors by a wide margin -- through Friday's games, their 66 twin-killings were nine more than any other team's -- is unique because it goes Mercer-or-Kang-to-Walker-to-Alvarez.
Neil Walker had started 50 of the 54 games at second base, while Jordy Mercer (39) and Jung Ho Kang (15) have alternated at shortstop. In circumstances where stability and familiarity with one another rules, the Bucs' standing in double plays would seem to be a testament to Walker's ability to adapt.