MLB

Goodbye Jose Tabata: Pittsburgh Pirates Won’t Miss You

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Kim Klement-USA Today Sports

Kim Klement-USA Today Sports

During the string of more than 20 losing seasons, the Pittsburgh Pirates repeatedly touted prospects year after year, only to see them fall flat on their faces. They traded away talented players for years, trying to land those top prospects. The culture in Pittsburgh has changed the past two seasons, and now the Pirates don’t have to hang on to once-promising prospects like Jose Tabata.

Tabata joined the Pirates in 2008. At the time, he was the New York Yankees No. 2 prospect; he was traded to the Pirates along with three pitchers for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte. Pirates’ brass was pumped to have another exciting outfielder to put next to Andrew McCutchen – a combination of power and speed in the form of Tabata. He made his big league debut on June 9, 2010 and singled in his first at-bat. Later in the game, he stole his first base and scored his first run. In his first season with the Pirates, Tabata hit .299 with four home runs, 35 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. He finished eighth in voting for National League Rookie of the Year.

On Aug. 21, 2011 the Pirates announced a contract extension for Tabata through 2019. The deal included nearly $15 million in guaranteed money through 2016 and a $250,000 buyout. He was also given an additional three club option years until 2019. After the contract, Tabata went down hill. He ended 2011 hitting .266, with four home runs and 16 stolen bases. He was bounced back and forth between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh in 2012, 2013 and this past season. In that time in the minors, Tabata had no home runs and only five stolen bases. He basically turned into a singles hitter with little to no speed and a bad work ethic.

The 2014 season was the last key turning point in the decision to say goodbye to Tabata. The right field job was there for the taking in Spring Training, but Tabata couldn’t grab it, and started the season in a platoon with Travis Snider. He was sent down on June 24, hitting .289 with no home runs,  14 RBIs and one steal in 62 games. Most of that .289 average was infield singles and grounders through the hole. He didn’t even hit well in AAA, posting a .281  average with no home runs, 12 RBIs and one steal. Tabata was called back up in September, merely for the fact that the rosters were expanded.

The Pirates designated Tabata for assignment on Friday, a move that hopefully will have someone claim him off of waivers. The first time he was sent down this year, Tabata accepted the demotion and no one claimed him. But who would claim a lousy singles hitter getting paid way too much money?

The Pirates made the right decision in designating him for assignment again, and September was most likely the last Pirates fans will see of Tabata. There is too much talent in the outfielder in Pittsburgh these days, and there is even more outfield talent in the Pirates’ farm system. It’s a refreshing change of pace that the Pirates can just cut ties with a struggling, one-time top prospect and not wait until he fully flops, dragging the whole team down with him.

Nate Vandergrift is a Pirates writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @natevandergrift, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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