Here’s the latest on the Pirates from GM Neal Huntington, courtesy of the Post-Gazette’s Paul Zeise:
- Huntington feels that third baseman Josh Harrison, who’s hitting just .173/.209/.282 after today’s game, is pressing to prove he deserves the extension he received last month. Huntington feels that players react one of three ways after receiving a new contract. Some players relax and play better as a result; others, content with their newfound wealth, stop trying as hard. And then there’s Harrison. “The third case, which is what we believe is the case with Josh, he is trying to justify the contract, he is trying to show those who doubted him and show those of us that had faith in him that he is deserving.”
- Prospect Nick Kingham, who injured his elbow last week, is seeking a second opinion. Huntington is not yet willing to say what doctors believe Kingham’s injury is. Heading into the season, MLB.com, Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus all ranked Kingham in the bottom half of their lists of the top 100 prospects in the game. He was pitching reasonably well for Triple-A Indianapolis and likely will make his big-league debut this season if he can return to health. The news that he’s seeking a second opinion suggests that his injury is significant, however.
- Jose Tabata is hitting .338/.416/.397 at Indianapolis, but it doesn’t sound like Huntington is anticipating that the often frustrating outfielder will return to Pittsburgh, even though he’s signed through at least 2016. “We have been very open with Jose that while we hope his return to the big leagues [is] with us, he is a guy who may need to get somebody else’s attention and have somebody come get him,” says Huntington.
Actually, I would have taken Tabata over Snyder
I know Tabata can play defense.
He looked good to me when I got a good look at him in Spring Training in 2011.
I know that’s been awhile, but I still think he is talented.
Most Pirate fans and analysts I have ever read would agree that Snider is a better defensive OF than Tabata, or at least was through last year. Tabata does not anticipate routes well, and he definitely does not have as good of an arm as Snider.
I agree with this statement
or a right hook…
I would’ve traded tabata over snider for sure :-)
Tabata defense is iffy… what i mean by iffy is.. if he wants to or if he doesn’t lol. don’t get me wrong Tabata has talent and some range not a bad glove though not great…. his arm isn’t the strongest but when he seems to give a darn he isn’t bad in the field. Perhaps he wasn’t that motivated because he got a contract and he was signed with a loosing team. Now maybe he is a bit more motivated to do better now that the team is better but there is no place for him.. just speculation.
Anyway, Snider’s range isn’t the greatest but last year with the bucs… He had great routes, positioning himself for the throw. Throwing strong and very accurate. great awareness of the base runners and saving bases. When I heard he was traded I said some words that would make a nun cry.
I don’t watch O’s Ball but just from his production last year and some of the year before.. you got a future all-star at best at worst you got a good 4th OF who has a knack for pinch hitting.
I wasn’t a huge fan of him, but he made me a believer last year.
EDIT: Snider is spelled with an I not a Y :-)
Well, Snyder or Snider. =P Truth be told.
I would have either kept Markakis or would have traded for Carlos Gonzalez even though he is struggling with the Rockies.
well yeah but I would guess that part of that comes down to the dollar signs. Carlos at 16 million, Nick at what 11 million and Snider at 2.5 million.
I still think Tabata has an MLB future
Tabata would look good in pinstripes.
He was a Yankee at some point
Probably won’t happen because Chris Young is doing a good job as the 4th outfielder.
Tabata could be hitting .638 and the Bucs still wouldn’t recall him. The “X Factor” here is that reports suggested that Tabata was a bad influence on Starling Marte: those 2 got tight, and Marte’s effort and level of preparation began dropping immediately. He could be a good 4th or 5th OF for someone. He does a lot of things fairly well, but nothing well enough to keep him in the lineup everyday.
Exactly–who needs a slow, singles-hitting corner outfielder with attitude issues? He’s no bargain at any price, let alone at what he makes now.
Jose Tabata is hitting but he isn’t exactly knocking the cover off the ball. he has 23 hits and 27 total bases. As long as he is giving 110% and fielding decently then he would make a good 4th OF for someone. If the Pirates didnt’ need a left handed bat on the bench maybe on the 25 man over Lambo who has been stinking up the majors (pre injury) in limited time. With the contracts and depth in OF he is fairly expendable baring a bunch of injuries to pretty much everyone.
His contract is not horrible, but sure as heck isn’t good considering they could put someone on their initial ‘cheap’ contract in his place
Some team with injuries may be interested in a singles hitting 4th OF if the pirates eat half of his contract up to option years (’17 i think?)
I don’t particularly like Tabata but he does have more talent than most give him credit for.. and that tattoo on his neck.. not a fan… but that is a completely different story
Agreed. At his age, he should be pounding the ball and hitting line drives.
the way the Kang has been playing Harrison and Mercer are in danger of loosing their starting positions.
Josh will come around he won’t be under .200 for ever.. but i doubt he’ll be over .300 at the end of the season. .270-.280 would be a nice number as long as everything else is okay.
So, what you’re saying… is that when a person signs an extension… they either play better or worse…. that’s some deep stuff there. I’ve never thought of it that way.
Neil, while we’re on the subject of contracts, did you think about Jose Tabata’s extension before extending Josh Harrison?