THE BULLPEN

Today, Mrs. Black-N-Gold looks at another player expected to do big things for your Pittsburgh Pirates this season, LF Starling Marte. Starling was signed by the Pirates out of his native Dominican Republic in 2007. In 2011, Starling was the Pirates representative at the 2011 All-Star Futures Game. That same year, while playing for the Pirates Double A affiliate the Altoona Curve, he was named an Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star as well as a Post-Season All-Star. He was also a Baseball America Double A All-Star. He won the Eastern League batting title with a .332 batting average and was honored as Eastern League Rookie of the Year. In 2012, as a member of the Pirates Triple A team, the Indianapolis Indians, Starling was named an International League Mid-Season All-Star. He made his major league debut on July 26, 2012 versus the Houston Astros, homering on the first pitch. He became the first Pirate to do so since 1922. Last season, Starling recorded 143 hits, 26 doubles, 10 triples and 12 homers from the leadoff spot for the Bucs. He scored 83 runs, stole 41 bases, had a .275 batting average, a .332 OBP, a .440 SLG and a .773 OPS. If he expects to have a breakout year for the Pirates, Starling will have to avoid the injury-bug as he has yet to play a full season since his callup. It's time for Starling to step up to the plate and step up his game. Mrs. Black-N-Gold wants to keep the Marte Partay going. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!