Derek “Bubba” Starling-OF
6′ 5″- 195lbs. [B:T/R/R]
DOB: 8/3/92

Bubba Starling finally took the field after a three week hiatus, due to a nagging quad injury.  Playing in front of a throng of scouts, including Arizona Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers, Starling delivered a spectacular performance in the double header.  Between the two games, Starling was 3-5, with a double, two home runs, three walks (2 intentional), and four RBI.  The first home run was a screaming line-drive to left center; the second was a tape measure job, off of a hanging curveball, to straight away left-field.

Here are some notes I took away from Starling’s performance:

• Tall, lean, and athletic build.  Ideal size, with plenty of room to fill out.
• Gifted athlete with smooth clean actions in the outfield.
• Takes good routes, has good natural instincts, and has plenty of speed for centerfield.
• Plus arm strength.  Took a long time to get rid of the ball, but that is correctable with reps and instruction.
• Plus power at the plate, with strong wrists and plenty of bat speed.
• A bit front foot heavy at the plate, but kept his hands back just fine.
• Good pitch recognition down in the zone, but chased the high fastball.
• Plus- speed. 4.31 seconds on the turn at first base.
• Accelerates easily after his first step.  Natural base-running instincts.

Overall Starling displayed a skill-set rarely found.  He has legit five tool potential, and is said to have top notched work ethic to go with a great attitude.  Starling showed that he is just more than a football player that plays baseball.  He looked every bit of a natural baseball player.  I can only imagine what Starling can be if and when he gives all of his attention to baseball.  Starling is the one big question mark leading into the draft.  He could fall to the back of the top 10, or he could be taken as high as #3.  There is no questioning Starling’s talent; the questions now lie on his price tag.

Photo courtesy of USA Baseball