PITTSBURGH -- By itself, the promotion of Neil Walker from Class AAA Indianapolis doesn't seem like much outside the immediate area. In the big picture, though, it effectively tipped over the first domino in the future of the Pirates franchise.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, it's only a matter of days before pitcher Brad Lincoln joins the Pittsburgh Kid on the parent club. Expect Pedro Alvarez and Jose Tabata to follow him rather soon.

His clunker on Monday night notwithstanding, Brian Burres has done a commendable job in the fifth spot in the rotation. At 29 years old, though, he has stuff that's better suited for a long relief role.

Enter Lincoln, who was virtually untouchable in his last four starts for the Triple A farm club. If the former first-rounder continued to start every fifth day, then June 6 would be the best guess for his arrival. He turns 25 today.

Privately, team officials are concerned about Andy LaRoche and his achy back. There is no plan for the third baseman to be placed on the disabled list at this time, but precautions will be taken to ensure that the problem doesn't become a chronic one. That would give the 23-year-old Alvarez a chance to break in mostly against right-handers on a semi-regular basis.

Four times in the last 10 days, Ryan Church started in left field against right-handed starters. A Church-Lastings Milledge platoon would allow Garrett Jones to move back to first base and open a spot for the 21-year-old Tabata in right field on at least a part-time basis. The kid raised his batting average to .328 with three more hits on Monday night. At least physically, he's ready for the next step.

As for Walker, 24, he earned the promotion. The former first-rounder was disappointed to be cut in spring training, obviously, but the plan called for him to learn other positions at the Triple A level. To his credit, rather than throw a hissy fit, the guy was intent to increase his versatility for his good and that of the team.

Walker concedes that he's still a work in progress at second base and the corner outfield spots, but his .321 batting average and .560 slugging percentage suggest that he's ready to step up to the plate in the major leagues.

Stay tuned. The next few months should be very interesting to say the least.