Pittsburgh Pirates Starling Marte Off to Hot Start

Starling Marte is greeted by teammates. Photo courtesy of http://www.escogido.com/web/

The Pittsburgh Pirates have to be pumped to see Starling Marte get off to a great start.  Marte is playing centerfield for  Leones del Escogido.  In his first start yesterday for Leones del Escogido, Marte batted second.

The talented outfielder with a cannon for an arm got a hit off a lefty driving in two runs.  Marte got three more hits off right handers from the Licey Tigers including a triple.    So to add it all up, Marte scored three runs and drove in three with three singles and a triple.   It was Marte’s first appearance in winter ball and certainly the Bucs are thrilled to see a triple with the bases empty and three big hits with runners on base.

Marte provided a spark for the Pirates in 2012, but down the stretch Clint Hurdle had him on the pine, while Alex Presley got repeated opportunities.  It was frustrating to watch after Marte flashed such ability in his first Major League go round.

Gregory Polanco, who grabbed the spotlight for his comments to Dejan Kovacevic regarding the SEALS training, is also on the roster for skipper Ken Oberkfell.  Polanco served as the designated hitter, going hitless in two at-bats including a strikeout.

Polanco had two hits in his first start on the 27th,  including a double.  He also struckout and scored a run.

The stud Pirates prospect also had this article featured on the teams’  website