We continue our preview of the 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates with a look at right field, a position that had some question marks going into spring training.
Gregory Polanco will be the Pirates right fielder once he gets the call up from AAA — Most likely mid-to-end of June — but before he gets his shot, it will be the tandem of Travis Snider and Jose Tabata to hold down the spot.
Jose Tabata: Tabata experienced an up-and-down season in 2013 which included a stint on the DL that made him miss the whole month of June. He would get things together post-DL before hitting a 1-for-28 slump to end July.
In 106 games, Tabata posted a .282/.429/.771 line with 17 doubles, 6 home runs and 33 RBI. He only attempted four stolen bases — succeeded three times — which is a career low.
Tabata will split time with Travis Snider to start the season until Polanco is ready to take over full-time in right.
Travis Snider: Snider was the Pirates primary right fielder against right handed pitching until a toe injury sidelined him on the DL for the whole month of August, but most of his damage was as a pinch-hitter producing 4 home runs and 9 RBI off the bench. The most memorable Snider moment would also come in that situation with his go-ahead, pinch-hit homer against the Brewers to clinch win #81.
Snider hit .215/.333/.614 in 111 games with 12 doubles, 5 home runs and 25 RBI, but he would only record two hits in 22 AB against left handed pitching. Seven of his doubles would come in the season’s first 18 games which put him among the league’s leaders for the month of April. He would encounter a 2-for-24 slump late-June into July before Jose Tabata took over the position.
Snider will share the role in right with Jose Tabata until Polanco is ready. He will also be a vital piece of the puzzle off of the bench.
Gregory Polanco: The Dominican Winter League’s Rookie-of -the-Year and MVP is looking to solidify the Pirates outfield come June. He posted a .331/.428/.494 line in 166 at bats in the Dominican.
In 127 games across three minor league levels with the Pirates, Polanco hit .285/.434/.791 with 30 doubles, 12 home runs and 71 RBI while swiping 38 bags in 49 attempts.
If all goes according to plan, he will make the jump to the majors in mid-June, along with teammate Jameson Taillon.
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(Photo credit: Gene J. Puskar)
