The Pirates appear nearly ready to promote Class AAA outfielder and highly-rated prospect Starling Marte, Dejan Kovacevic writes.
Just spoke with high-ranking #Pirates official, and I can tell you this: It will NOT be long before Starling Marte is in Pittsburgh. "It's time," the official said without specifics. In the same convo, it came about that Jose Tabata had better get his act together immediately or he's headed for the minors. The team is -- and should be -- livid with his lackluster effort. Sounds to me like an easy one-for-one switch.
I wrote Monday morning that the Pirates should strongly consider promoting Marte. You never know what's going to happen with promotions until after they occur, but Marte's numbers suggest he's ready for the majors. He brings a mix of skills that includes speed, defense and the ability to hit for average and a bit of power, so he could be an asset on both sides of the ball, especially since other than Andrew McCutchen, the Pirates' outfielders haven't done a whole lot.
Tabata, whose play this season has been mediocre and often very frustrating, would probably be the big loser if Marte were to be promoted. In fact, as Kovacevic suggests, it wouldn't be a shock to see Marte take Tabata's 25-man roster spot.
For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout.