STARLING MARTE

10/9/88; NDFA '07; Dominican Republic
R/R; 6-2, 190

Level	BA	OBP	SA	AB	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	SB	CS
2007 DSL	.220	.307	.288	132	4	1	1	10	29	16	2
2008 DSL	.296	.367	.455	257	10	2	9	16	53	20	8
2009 A+	1.000	1.000	1.000	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2009 A	.312	.377	.439	221	9	5	3	12	55	24	7
2009 R	.000	.000	.000	7	0	0	0	0	1	0	0

Along with Rudy Owens, Marte had the biggest breakout in the Pirates' system in 2009. He originally started to establish himself as a prospect when he added some muscle before the 2008 season and increased his power and his hitting overall. The power made him a potential five-tool players, as he has very good speed and a strong arm-he recorded 11 outfield assists in 64 games in 2008. After playing left in 2007, he moved primarily to center. In 2009, he opened the season in the GCL but after just two games moved up to West Virginia. He got off to a fast start and never stopped hitting. He also proved to be an effective base stealer and showed a little power, although that still has yet to come around fully, which is normal. He has a long way to go with his plate discipline, but considering how quickly he's moved up there's no reason he couldn't still make progress with it. Marte played some in right, but about two-thirds of the time in center. His defensive play was almost as impressive as his hitting. At the end of the year, the Pirates moved Marte up to Lynchburg with the idea of him playing in the Carolina League playoffs, but he sprained his ankle in his first game, so that plan was scuttled. He should open 2010 in center with the Pirates' new high A affiliate in Bradenton, as part of what should be a very interesting outfield along with Robbie Grossman and Quincy Latimore. At 21, he'll be a good age for the level. If Marte continues to make such rapid progress, he could reach Altoona around mid-season.

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