Pirates Acquire RHP Preston Guilmet, DFA Jose Tabata [Video]

Feb 24, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians player

takes part in the annual photo day at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Just when you thought the Pittsburgh Pirates were done for the season, the news broke tonight that the Bucs have acquired right-hander Preston Guilmet.  The Pirates look like they are on a mission to improve the bullpen that caused challenges during the season.  The ball club designated Jose Tabatra for assignment.  The news was on Major League Trade Rumors from the MLB transaction post.

Jose Tabata was out righted during the season at a time that many were whispering Travis Snider was going to be the guy to go.  The Pirates outfielder had been placed on waivers and was unclaimed, likely due to his contract.

May 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Preston Guilmet (63) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Bucs needed to free up roster room–not sure why Tabata needed to go immediately there are a few less talented players on the roster—because they had paid cash to Baltimore for Preston Guilmet.  The reliever, as you might expect, doesn’t have great big league numbers.  He is a 27–years old that pumps strikes, refuses to issue walks and put up nice numbers while in AAA including 126 punchouts in just 112.2 innings pitched.

Check out the video of Guilmet striking out Matt Adams back in 2011 in the Arizona Fall League. Damn, that delivery.

One would think that Tabata would go unclaimed once again because he is owed $9 million-with-an-M-million over the next two years.  If I were ever to bet, Tabata will be pulling on the uni of the Indianapolis Indians again.  I certainly trust he buys a dinner or two for those gents.