Tabata To Play Winter Ball

In September, the Pirates decided to not permit, LF Jose Tabata, to play winter ball, in his home country of Venezuela, citing possible injury as reasoning. Tabata, after 4 months (Debuted: June 9,2010) of playing at the Major League level, he found himself finishing the year with .299 BA/4 HR/35 RBI/19 SB/.746 OPS, and tied for 8th in Rookie of the Year voting. On Wednesday, it was announced that, the Pirates would permit, Tabata to play winter ball in Venezuela, with Caribes de Anzoategui, through the end of December.


With only 3 weeks remaining, in the month of December, Tabata, will seemingly, be playing for the love of the game. With no permission to play anytime after January, he will be unable to participate in any playoffs, and as it stands, Caribes de Anzoategui, are three games behind, while being in sixth place. It is common for Major Leaguers to participate in winter ball, in Venezuela, listed below are just a few notable players, currently on the general roster of the Caribes de Anzoategui:

• P Carlos Zambrano (Cubs)
• P Gabriel Alvarado (West Virginia Power; Pirate -A)
• C Victor Martinez (Tigers)
• IF Omar Infanta (Braves)
• IF Andenson Chourio (Bradenton Marauders; Pirates +A)
• OF Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)
• OF Gorkys Hernandez (Altoona Curve; Pirates AA)
• OF Cayonez Exicardo (GCL Pirates; Pirates A)