What’s Up With Tabata?

From John Nalbone on highly touted prospect, Jose Tabata:

Thunder right fielder Jose Tabata was yanked from tonight’s game against visiting New Hampshire in the fifth inning for unspecified disciplinary reasons.Suspended three games by the Yankees for leaving Waterfront Park following an April 26 strikeout that dropped his batting average below .200, Tabata was expelled from the dugout and was seen sitting in front of his locker as the Fisher Cats grabbed a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Aaron Mathews.

The Thunder (34-19) eventually won the game, 7-4, by scoring three times in the bottom of the eighth to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Fisher Cats (19-33).

Manager Tony Franklin refused to address the specifics as to why the 19-year-old Tabata was pulled and sent back to the clubhouse.

“We had an in-house issue we needed to deal with. Don’t ask me what it is because I’m not telling you,” a visibly irritated Franklin said. “We’re very pleased with the way he is playing. He is playing hard. But there are certain standards that need to be met within this organization and with this team, and when those standards are not met we take action. It’s our job to make sure these players know what they are supposed to do at all times out there.”

Franklin did not rule out further discipline for Tabata, who was 0-for-2 before being removed.

“We’ll decide on that later,” Franklin said. “We’ll bring him in, talk to him and explain what we want to see him do and how we’d like to see him go about it.”

The “hype machine” strikes again. This is the downfall of scouting and projections. Once publicized, they can go to a player’s head and might make him an egotistical jerk, but sometimes, these projections can cause a player to totally fall apart, mentally. The stress of being a “top prospect” can apparently be rough (although most of us would love to be in Jose Tabata’s shoes).

(Thanks to PA).

Jorge Could Be Back Next Week

From the AP:

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada increased his rehabilitation program for a sore right shoulder Thursday, making hard throws to second and third during a pre-game workout before catching seven innings and going 1-for-2 with two walks in an extended spring training game.

The five-time all-star has been sidelined since April 27. Posada is scheduled to throw to the bases for the first time in a game during an extended spring contest Saturday.

“It feels good,” Posada said. “The more I throw, the better it feels.

“It’s coming along. I’m happy with the throwing today. I think I’m going to DH (Friday) and then Saturday go full bore.”

Posada made five throws to both second and third base after playing catch at up to a distance of 150 feet. He could rejoin the Yankees next week.

We’re all looking forward to Jorge’s return. Chad Moeller has been decent in his absence while Jose Molina, hitting-wise, has been horrible. Jorge seems to be taking a fairly conservative approach with his rehab and hopefully the result of that will be that he stays with the team for the entire year (as the catcher), free of injury.

The Draft Process

Here’s a nice read by Bryan Hoch about the upcoming draft and the process the Yankees are going through in order to pick up a potential gem. Hoch speaks to Damon Oppenheimer about the needs and goals of the organization for this particular event and Oppenheimer seems pretty pleased about his chances. Although I’ve heard this draft isn’t as deep as previous drafts (in terms of talent), I’m sure the Yankees can still snag a high-priced talent or high-risk, high-reward player.

If you’re interested in following up on the draft, here are a few links:

• MLB’s Draft Central
• Attend the Draft (Fans)
• Jonathan Mayo’s Draft Reports

Also, be sure to check in with the guy’s at RAB. They have done some great work on scouting for the draft and potential pickups for the Yankees.

Consider This: Jason Bay

Jason Bay of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a name being thrown around the trade rumor circuit. He’s a great hitter (.290/.410/.551 line this season) and he’s got some speed on the basepaths (5 SB’s as of now). Bay was highly sought after during the winter even though his numbers dipped due to some injury issues (that shows his talent). The Pirates didn’t want to sell low with Bay so it appears as though they’ve played their cards right, as he has regained his pre-2007 form. He’s a great right-handed hitter and will be discussed by an assortment of teams.

The Yanks could use a right-handed bat, therefore I wouldn’t be surprised if Cashman inquires about Bay, although placing him on the team would be difficult (he plays LF and Abreu holds that spot). Then again, Melky Cabrera’s descent into mediocrity and disappointment could spell a change in the OF. This is a totally hypothetical situation, but he’ll probably be the biggest right-handed hitter on the market (unless Holliday is truly available).

Yanks Win One (Finally)

The Yankees, thanks largely to Jason Giambi, Andy Pettitte, Hideki Matsui, and Joba Chamberlain, finally won a game against the Baltimore Orioles, salvaging what was already a disastrous series. Andy Pettitte battled through 6 2/3 innings and did what was necessary in order to protect the lead and this allowed Joba to get his work in (he later continued to throw in the bullpen even after he was done throwing in the actual game).

Joba will see how he feels on Friday and based on that, his next outing will likely feature 70-75 pitches. Obviously, that sort of appearance isn’t going to work for a reliever. With IPK on the DL (although his injury status is somewhat cloudy) it appears evident that the Yankees will start Joba and see how far he can go. Joba will probably hit 5 innings if he starts (that’s my estimate) which would certainly be a sight to see for Yankee fans everywhere.

On a totally random note, Chris Britton has been recalled by the Yankees (with IPK on the DL). Yes, that was out of nowhere, but hell, I had to get it in there. Besides, I’m sure it won’t be the last time he gets sent down and called back up (it happens every other day).