Haven't you heard?...the Phils are in a rebuilding phase....
If you haven't received the news by now, I have to seriously question your dedication and "liking" of the Phillies baseball team. This is because the word is not just out, it is widely known around the league. In fact, Ruben and co. are actively making trade proposals, and have repeatedly reiterated the need for youthful players who can provide upgrades, and change. Players who can fill out a deep depth chart. I know someone who can fit that bill quite nicely: Jose Tabata.
I know, I know. You're debating whether or not I am sane. But I feel quite sure I am. Here's why:
One of the gigantic, if not biggest, need this team has, is the need for youth. Young guys. Jose Tabata is the very definition of young. The outfielder is only 26. But, the thing about him, is that he has 5 seasons, 482 games, 1,724 plate appearances, and above all else postseason experience under his belt. This young man is in his mid-twenties, and already has more experience than many players will ever get. The point here is this: He knows how to go about business and get things done. He knows how to work hard, and be a professional on a daily basis in the clubhouse. Lots of 26 year-olds are still trying to figure out how to go about the routines and do the little things. Jose isn't.
Jose isn't a guy who you pencil in your lineup at the same position everyday. He is versatile, and can play all 3 outfield spots if need be. However, he has spent less time in center field, but I'm sure if Ryne Sandberg were to have an emergency, Tabata wouldn't have a problem manning the position.
Now, lets get to a few numbers that I'm sure you would like to see.
Out of his 1,724 plate appearances, he has only struck out 247 times. Talk about plate discipline, this guy is almost ensuring a ball in play. Once on base, he also is a threat. In fact, those of you who already have a little knowledge of Tabata, know that his speed is arguably his best tool. He has stolen 47 bags, and has 206 runs in his career so far. Batting wise, he has a decent average of .275, and an OPS of .715. Which the latter would be considered great in the Phils lineup. Jose has also has 113 extra base hits in his career, and has the ability to hit a home run every now and then. Defensively, he has a fantastic fielding percentage of .992, and 18 assists throughout his baseball tenure with the Pirates. Overall, Tabata has a career WAR of 2.3 which isn't terrible at all. (All stats via baseball reference)
Additionally, Tabata is under club control for 5 years, starting with next season. He is certainly quite capable of contributing on this Phillies team when it is playing competitive baseball again. He is young enough to do this in his prime, maybe even peak of his prime.
Right about now, you might be thinking he's a better player and option than before you read through this, but realize he is still in the Pirates organization. Yes, he is, but yes he is available. I know this because the Pirates outrighted him of their 40-man roster. They have no need for him on their Major League roster, but the Phils do. I read some articles about his outright off the 40-man roster by the teams beat writers, and got the impression that he certainly wasn't a fan-favorite. Not because of his personality or actions, but statistically they didn't see him as a fit. The Phillies could however, as he could be a young versatile, reserve/4th outfielder, who could provide depth and spot start occasionally.
The question now is, "how do you acquire him?" Well, it's pretty simple. Find out the trade partners needs, and whether or not you can satisfy them in a trade. One such need is a bullpen arm. A bullpen arm the Phils have been aggressively shopping around for a while now, is Antonio Bastardo. He is a relatively young arm who puts up good numbers. Another option for Pittsburgh is young righthander Hector Neris. He has emerged as a guy who can be a go-to reliever in the majors for the years to come. In other words, if the Phils were to facilitate a trade in the efforts of acquiring Jose Tabata look for a trade built around someone like Bastardo or Neris.
To sum it up, a young, yet experienced player who can contribute and put up numbers, while also contributing to the team in the future, is Jose Tabata. He can be had in a trade the Phillies could make, that would effectively help the rebuilding phase. If the Phillies are in their right mind, they would explore a move like this in an effort to acquire a low risk, high reward guy in Jose Tabata.