No,this isn't another deadline trade thread. I believe the Pirates have an internal solution to boost their offense,so my question is,has the time come to drop Marte into the middle of the Pirate batting order?
I believe the reason it hasn't happened yet is not because of the lack of faith in Marte,but the lack of a better option for a lead off hitter.,however since Jose Tabata has returned,he has performed at a level where he should be considered as a candidate for the lead off spot.
First of all,this doesn't have to be set in stone,by that, I mean I feel the Pirates missed an opportunity Sunday before the all-star break.Hurdle,batted Marte in his usual spot,and Tabata hit 5th.Now Jose has been playing well,but he doesn't seem to me to be a 5 hitter. Why not switch Marte and Tabata in the batting order at least for that game?
Marte is second on the team in doubles,first in triples and third in Hrs.
I am not sold on Tabata performing at this level on a consistant basis, but while he's hot,why not give this a try?