Jose Tabata Likely to Play One Level Below Andrew McCutchen

by Charlie Wilmoth on Feb 24, 2009 2:30 PM EST

Obviously, how things go over the next six weeks will play a role in Tabata's placement. However, so, too, will Andrew McCutchen's fate. Tabata and McCutchen are both natural center fielders, and Pirates management does not want to move either from that position.

That means that if McCutchen starts the year in Triple-A, which is where he is projected to begin, Tabata will start the season back at Double-A Altoona and remain there until McCutchen gets the call to the Majors later in the season.

However, if McCutchen surprises and makes the team out of Spring Training, then I'd expect Tabata to begin at Triple-A.

That clears things up somewhat. Based on what I've read about Tabata's defense, though, he's not going to be a centerfielder in the bigs, so I wouldn't worry much about putting him and McCutchen on the same team, if that is otherwise the best thing for both of them. Of course, if they aren't at the same level, I'd play them both in center, but Tabata is becoming a big man, and he probably will have to move to a corner soon.

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Just one fan's opinion

Tabata should return to Altoona no matter what. Give him 100 more AB or so to prove he’s past his Yankee troubles. He’s 20 years old. What’s the rush?

by OlStubbleBeard on Feb 24, 2009 3:21 PM EST reply actions

I wouldn’t have any problem with that. You’re right—there’s no reason to rush him.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Feb 24, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions

I read a lot of Yankee Blogs . . . .

. . . when Tabata was acquired.

The conventional wisdom was that Tabata would project as a LF in the majors. By his own account, Manny Ramirez is his role model. A strong minority thought that Tabata would be too leg heavy to play in the OF in the ML, and would need to convert to 1B.

I’ve just checked and seen his weight listed on various sites at 160 lbs up to 215 lbs (Charlie and CBS). One Yankee blogger says Tabata had a major weight problem in 2007.
http://www.waswatching.com/archives/2007/12/joba_jose_yanks.html

Never saw any Yank site that projected Tabata as a CF. He is, even at 19-20, a bit of a horse.

by WstCstBucco on Feb 24, 2009 3:42 PM EST reply actions

Yeah. My guess is that 215 is more accurate.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Feb 24, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions

If he's 215...

we should see the power numbers start to ramp up.

by Thunder on Feb 24, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

Sure...

…in about two or three years. Maybe.

by Vlad on Feb 24, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

Baseball America likes his arm strength

So if he can stay athletic enough for an OF corner, it could be either one.

by OlStubbleBeard on Feb 24, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

This is Pirates Reporter Opinion, Correct

This was taken from a fan chat, and I could be wrong, but is likely the opinion of Jen Langosch, not necessarily that of Huntington, correct? Tabata is certainly more valuable as a CF, but management has to recognize that won’t fly long-term, so why would they hesitate to have him play LF 70% of the time and CF 30% at AAA (moving McCutcheon to LF, DH, or off-day when Tabata plays CF)?

by bigchich on Feb 24, 2009 4:38 PM EST reply actions

My understanding is that they’re keeping him in CF for now because he’s more valuable there, which makes sense. To refer to him as a “natural centerfielder” is a different thing, and not correct according to everything I’ve read about the guy.

by WTM on Feb 24, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions