It's Do Or Die for Tabata

He signed a team friendly contract and has loads of potential. He was THE man two years ago, who was thrilled to be playing the same position as his hero, Roberto Clemente, Right Field. Everything was set up for Jose Tabata to have a breakout year and then it didn't happen and for a multitude of reasons.
This is a young guy who has been through a lot in his short professional career. While in the Yankees system he walked out during a game which led to him being traded to the Pirates. During spring training a few years ago, the baby his "Pregnant" wife gave birth to turned out to be a newborn she kidnapped from the hospital that she tried to pass off as Jose's. While he is not responsible for the actions of a demented woman, he is responsible for putting himself in situations that are not good for him or his career.
Last season Jose showed up to spring training in somewhat poor condition which directly contributed to the injuries he tried to play through and ultimately led to his demotion to AAA Indianapolis. Was it the injuries that caused him to look like he was giving up on balls hit to Right Field? or to not run out ground balls, some of which he could have beaten out with a little effort? I find it hard to believe that the Hurdle would keep running a player out there that he suspected could be injured. I'm guessing Jose's biggest issues resided between his ears and that Clint Hurdle was giving Tabata every chance to play his way out of his mental funk and when it became apparent that wasn't going to happen, he was sent back to AAA.
Tabata supposedly reported to Spring Training last weekend 10 pounds lighter and in much better shape, which is a positive, if his head is screwed on straight, because when he is on top of things, he can be the answer to the question of who can hit leadoff in the lineup instead of putting that pressure on Starling Marte, who certainly has the tools to do so, but could benefit from hitting under less pressure in the six hole.
This is a do or die season for the talented Jose Tabata, which is a strange thing to say about such a young and talented ball player, but that has more to do with his track record of displaying his penchant for being a headcase than anything else. The time has come for Jose to get it together and get his effort to line up with his potential.