Pirates Outfielder Starling Marte Ready For Breakout Season
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - He is under Pirates control, including a team option in 2021 and following a second half where he hit .348 following a stint on the disabled list, Starling Marte may be ready to break through and prove this Pirates outfield can, indeed, be compared to the 1992 group.
The 26-year-old Dominican improved in nearly every category during his second full season in 2014, hitting for better average, more homers, doubles, RBI, stolen bases and fewer strikeouts.
Through his first 12 games this spring, Marte was hitting .412 with 4 strikeouts in 34 at bats.
Marte has also had better success when playing in center, which he has done often while Andrew McCutchen heals from a lower-body injury. Manager Clint Hurdle said - with a deadpan delivery - that he will have to go back to left when McCutchen is healthy.
"It's kind of fun to see a guy settling and getting in a good place," Hurdle said. "He's actually coaching up and cheering for Gregory Polanco, 'Hey take it easy, slow down,' all the things we've been telling him."
"I feel great-outfield, hitting, everything," Marte said. "I give credit to my coaches and Polanco taking time to talk about hitting and getting better."
In 2014, Marte hit in every position but eighth in the lineup. While he got his most at bats leading off, he had more success batting fifth and sixth (combining for 8 homers and 24 RBI along with an average over .300).
"I like every position in the lineup," Marte said. "My goal is to see the ball, hit the ball and put it in play. No matter where I am. As long as I am in the lineup, I want to do well."
Marte's bigger wish is to advance in the playoffs and that doesn't bring more pressure, rather better focus.
"No pressure to perform. Every day we fought last year, but we only got one game in the playoffs. My goal this year is to win the division, to keep everyone together and give it the best we can."
