 | Name: Starling Marte Position: Outfield Birth Date: October 9, 1988 Height: 6'1'' Weight: 170 Bats: Right Throws: Right College/HS: Dominican Republic Acquired: Int'l FA, 2007 Major League ETA: 2013 |
| McEffect Report: Marte had a monstrous 2011 season in Altoona with a .332/.370/.500 triple-slash line. That brought his career average line to .309/.366/.453, which makes him a top Pirates hitting prospect. The best part of his game could be his defense. Marte has good speed with a strong throwing arm, a true 5-tool prospect. Marte will more than likely start 2012 in AAA and could be ready for the show in the middle of the season. However, the issue with Marte is that he's being blocked by a pretty young and strong outfield at the major league level. Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata are locked in, and there's no reason to take Alex Presley out of the lineup if he continues to hit like he did in 2011. However, if Presley struggles, Marte could make his debut in 2012. There's a good chance he'll be a very good major league player, although I think he lacks the power that the Pirates really need in their lineup right now. Despite that, Marte remains an extremely important part to the Pirates farm system. |