Wardell Starling

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #14 prospect in 2007
  Starling was a highly regarded high school player in the Houston area, and he and James Loney led Elkins High (Missouri City, Texas) to a Texas state title and national championship in 2002. Starling opted to attend Odessa (Texas) Junior College, then signed with the Pirates as a draft-and-follow just before the 2003 draft. Consistency had been Starling's biggest problem since coming into pro ball, but he made gains in that department last season. He pitched well in his second try at high Class A, then continued to get hitters out at Double-A. His fastball velocity was erratic earlier in his career but stayed consistently at 91- 93 mph in 2006. He also improved his changeup. Starling's curveball continues to be inconsistent and occasionally gets loopy. The downside to what was otherwise a breakout season was that his strikeout rate dropped and he tended to tire after five innings. He's likely to go back to Double-A to start the season. If he continues to show improvement, he'll be in line for a promotion to Triple-A, putting him on the cusp of the major leagues, where he projects as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #28 prospect in 2006
  Starling helped lead Elkins High (Missouri City, Texas) to a national high school championship as a senior in 2002, but he failed to sign with the Pirates after being drafted in the fourth round. Starling went to Odessa (Texas) Junior College and hit .420-12-80 to rank among the national juco leaders in all three categories before Pittsburgh signed him just before the 2003 draft as a pitcher. Starling has the makings of an above-average pitcher though he has been slow to put it all together. His fastball routinely sits at 92-94 mph with good life and peaks at 97. He also throws a curveball and changeup with both pitches having the potential to be above average. Starling has the rap of being immature and failing to get the most out of his talent. He's young enough to outgrow that but another concern is that he continually seems to fall into mechanical ruts, though his fine athletic ability should allow him to repeat his delivery. Starling will likely go back to high Class A to start this season unless he has a lights-out spring training. He won't move up until he proves he's ready.
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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #24 prospect in 2005
  Starling was an outstanding two-way player in leading Elkins High in suburban Houston to a No. 1 final national ranking in 2002. He accepted a scholarship from San Diego State but decided to go the junior-college route instead, signing with the Pirates as a draft-and-follow in 2003. Starling finished second in the low Class A South Atlantic League in wins last season, winning seven straight decisions after starting the year 4-7. He has a big, strong body that is perfect for a pitcher. He also has good velocity, throwing his fastball consistently at 88-92 mph and occasionally touching 94. He has an advanced changeup for a young pitcher. Starling throws a curveball and slider but needs to become much more consistent with both pitches. He tends to lose concentration from time to time and needs to develop better mound presence. He also needs to brush up on the finer points of pitching such as holding runners and fielding his position. He has plenty of upside as a starter and the Pirates won't rush him. He'll move up to high Class A and probably won't see the major leagues until 2007 or 2008.
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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #22 prospect in 2004
  Starling and Dodgers first-base prospect James Loney were two-way stars who led Elkins High (Missouri City, Texas) to the 2002 national championship. The Pirates took Starling in the fourth round, but he balked at signing and went to Odessa (Texas) JC. Starling continued to pull double duty, hitting .420-12-80 to rank among the national juco leaders in all three categories, but the consensus is that his future is greater on the mound. Odessa coach Rick Zimmerman, who has 1,030 juco victories to his credit, says Starling is as good as any player he's ever had with the exception of his former Trinidad State (Colo.) Junior College ace, Danny Jackson. Starling signed for $500,000 just before he would have re-entered the draft. He has a long, loose body and routinely throws his fastball at 92-94 mph. Starling also throws a slider, curveball and changeup. He's still learning the art of pitching after splitting his amateur career between the mound and outfield. He needs to hone his breaking pitches and changeup, which will come with experience, as well as work on keeping the ball in the park. Starling has a lot of unrefined talent and the Pirates will let him develop at his own pace. However, he's good enough to force himself into the low Class A rotation this season.