Player Journal: Tabata preps for race

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Player Journal: Tabata preps for race
07/12/2007 5:42 PM ET
By Jose Tabata

Jose Tabata, an outfield prospect in the New York Yankees organization, was signed out of Venezuela for $550,000 at the age of 16. In two Minor League seasons over 130 games with the Gulf Coast Yanks and Charleston RiverDogs, he's hit a combined .303 (144-for-475) with eight homers, 76 RBIs and 37 steals.
• Send Jose an email
Hey everyone! I'm sorry about missing the last blog. Things have gotten a little hectic as we head into the final third of the season.
Thank you to those of you who wished me a speedy recovery from my injury. You should know that my leg is feeling much better and it's all healed, thank God.
In Tampa, things are going great. I have been pretty hot at the plate lately. In my last 12 games, I have 20 hits and my average is now at .317 for the season. I'm also very proud of my on-base percentage (.410), which has improved a lot over the last month.

I'm not doing anything different when I go up to bat. It's always the same routine for me -- and practicing hard every day. I'm just getting good results now.
The most important part, though, is that the team is winning, and I do everything possible to help out my teammates. In the second half, we are 13-6 and leading the Florida State League West Division.
Some people have expressed concern over the fact that I have just three home runs this season. I don't worry too much about it. What matters is that I'm hitting the ball. The power will come as long as I continue to have confidence in myself.
In the last few entries, we have also talked a lot about how I'm working on my movement in the field. I feel like I'm progressing a lot in this area, but there's still work to be done. I think I'm reading the ball off the bat better, but I can improve the angles I take to the ball. It's something I have to work on every day.
Off the field, not much is going on. Baseball occupies most of my time. When I'm not playing baseball, I am relaxing at home with my wife.
I also really enjoy listening to music. I mostly listen to Salsa and a bit of reggaeton. My favorite salsa singer musician is Frankie Ruiz.
Now onto your questions, and remember, please keep those emails coming!
Is it difficult to be a Yankees top prospect? -- Thomas Mayer
At times it can be a little difficult to be a prospect for the Yankees. There's a lot of pressure to succeed. But, it's also a very special, really unique opportunity. In the future, I could get to play for the New York Yankees!
What are some of the things you do to stay in great physical shape? -- Hammy Heights, the Bronx
I do a lot of weights, and I try to eat healthy.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.