H/W: 5-11 160 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/12/88
Tabata was the central prospect in the trade that sent Xavier Nady to the New York Yankees. The change of scenery seemed to rejuvenate Tabata as he hit .346 with 3 HR 13 RBI and 8 SB in just 22 games. There are mixed feelings about what kind of player Tabata will be. There are some who think that he will be a top of the order hitter with average power and there are others who think that he will be more of a slugger than hitter. Either way, Tabata has the makings of a fine hitter who can also play solid RF defense with an average arm. Critics of Tabata's game cite that he has lapses in effort from time to time and worry that his body will put on unnecessary weight as he ages, causing him to lose athleticism. The move to Pittsburgh looks to be a positive one for Tabata as he will not feel the pressure of having to fill the pinstripes and field criticism from the New York media on a daily basis.
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2009 Projection: Tabata's MLB debut may happen sooner now that he resides in Pittsburgh's farm system. The Pirates have made positive strides in restructuring their organization and the Jose Tabata was at the center of the Xavier Nady deal. Expect him to start at AA Altoona with a real shot at earning a September call-up to Pittsburgh.
Key Rookie Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Donruss Threads Gold Auto #/975
 Jose Tabata Pittsburgh Pirates Autographed 8x10 Photograph $15.99 |
 Jose Tabata AUTOGRAPHED Baseball PITTSBURGH PIRATES $17.99 |
 PITTSBURGH PIRATES JOSE TABATA AUTOGRAPHED COLOR 8X10 CALENDAR $17.99 |
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