Bucs Cut Gorzelanny

In a bit of a surprising move, today the Pirates optioned pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to AAA-Indianapolis. Gorzelanny was in the competition for the two remaining rotation spots, along with Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens and Virgil Vasquez. Gorzelanny pitched very well in 2007 but took a horrible step backward last year, including a mid season demotion to AAA. He came into camp this year in better shape, but didn't pitch especially well, allowing 7 runs, 8 hits and 5 walks in 9 innings. This move does surprise me a bit, since neither Vasquez nor Karstens had pitched all that well overall. Along with Paul Maholm, Ian Snell and Zach Duke, I was already conceding that Ohlendorf would earn the fourth spot, leaving the aforementioned three competing for the 5th. And I was kind of figuring that the Pirates actually would want Gorzelanny to win that last spot. Well, I guess not. Now, I suppose, I'm leaning toward Karstens. He pitched alright for the Bucs last year, though aside from his near perfect game, he was pretty average.

Also today, Jose Tabata was optioned to AA-Altoona. This move was no surprise. Tabata has remained in camp this long only because of the injuries to Eric Hinske and Brandon Moss. Now that the two of them are getting healthy, there is no need for another outfielder. Though, it must be stated, Tabata never looked out of place at the major league camp. He hit .407 with 5 RBIs in 11 games. His progression through the Pirates' system will apparently follow Andrew McCutchen's, since the Pirates want each of these two to play regularly in center field, no matter what lever they're at. So, expect Tabata to remain in Altoona at least until McCutchen is promoted to Pittsburgh. However, I'm assuming at some point next year, they may have to share the same outfield and that means one will need to play a corner. But I guess that'll be a nice problem to have.