A few years ago, Jose Tabata was one of the top prospects in the Yankees farm system. The young Venezuelan outfielder was considered to be a "five-tool player." But like many Yankee minor leaguers, his path to New York was interrupted by a trade -- in his case, to the Pirates in a 2008 deal for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte.
Sunday, I saw those skills up close with Tabatha leading off and playing center field for Pittsburgh's Indianapolis farm club. Four hits in five at-bats, three stolen bases, three runs scored as Indy edged the Phillies' Lehigh Valley Ironpigs 5 - 4.
Tearing up the International League with a batting average well over .300, it seems just a matter of time until Tabata claims a spot in the Pirates lineup. He was certainly the most impressive player on this field.
Power, speed, agility and, as witnessed when, camera in hand, I called out to him in the on-deck circle, a bit of a cockiness, Tabata left a strong impression on the crowd of 10,000 that saw Indianapolis edge Lehigh Valley 5 - 4.
A few years ago, Jose Tabata was one of the top prospects in the Yankees farm system. The young Venezuelan outfielder was considered to be a "five-tool player." But like many Yankee minor leaguers, his path to New York was interrupted by a trade -- in his case, to the Pirates in a 2008 deal for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte.
Sunday, I saw those skills up close with Tabatha leading off and playing center field for Pittsburgh's Indianapolis farm club. Four hits in five at-bats, three stolen bases, three runs scored as Indy edged the Phillies' Lehigh Valley Ironpigs 5 - 4.
Tearing up the International League with a batting average well over .300, it seems just a matter of time until Tabata claims a spot in the Pirates lineup. He was certainly the most impressive player on this field.
Power, speed, agility and, as witnessed when, camera in hand, I called out to him in the on-deck circle, a bit of a cockiness, Tabata left a strong impression on the crowd of 10,000 that saw Indianapolis edge Lehigh Valley 5 - 4.
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