Kansas City Royals: Bubba Starling making fans optimistic
Former Kansas City Royals first round pick Bubba Starling is hitting early in Spring Training, making the fans optimistic that he can salvage his career.
If one was to look up the term ‘draft bust’ in a dictionary of choice, Bubba Starling would likely have his picture next to the entry. Considered a five tool prospect when the Kansas City Royals selected him with the fifth overall pick of the 2011 draft, whereupon he immediately became a consensus top 100 prospect.
Instead, Starling’s career never took off. Hampered by injuries, he struggled to produce even when he was on the diamond. He struggled to show anything at all in the upper levels of the minors, looking overmatched. The Royals even released Starling from the 40 man roster before bringing him back on a minor league deal. The one time center fielder of the future had that future end before it ever came.
Yet, the Royals still held out hope for their former top prospect. Not only was he brought back, but the Royals invited Starling to the major league portion of Spring Training. This was expected to simply be a nod to his years in the system before Starling was eventually sent to the minors.
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It seems that no one told Starling about those plans. Yes, it is early in Spring Training, but he is beginning to look like that payer that the Royals envisioned. He has rapped out five hits in his six at bats thus far, including two homers. Maybe the quality of competition is not major league caliber, as his opponents are rated as being roughly AA level thus far.
Nonetheless, it is a promising sign to see Starling crushing the ball, even if it is early in Spring Training. This production, regardless of the competition that Starling has faced, has left to hope from the fanbase that he can salvage his career.
Even if Starling continues his strong start to the Cactus League, he faces an uphill battle for a spot on the major league roster. A spot would need to be created for him on the 40 man roster, which would lead to another player being removed or pushed to the 60 day disabled list. The Royals also have a crowded center field situation, with Billy Hamilton, Brett Phillips, Brian Goodwin, and Terrance Gore all vying for playing time and a starting role.
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Bubba Starling is off to a strong start in Cactus League play. Even though it is still very early, that start is giving Kansas City Royals fans something they had not had for Starling in years – hope.