The Kansas City Royals were obviously excited about the potential of first round choice Bubba Starling last year -- enough to pay him Scott Boras money and sign him as the No. 5 choice. They're not the only ones high on him with the announcement that Starling is also the No. 17 prospect in baseball according to MLB.com as they unveil their Top 100 Prospects.
Starling is straight out of high school and signed too late to get any playing time in the lower minors, so he will see his first official action this spring. Still the scouting report gives high hopes for Royals fans and personnel:
"Starling is an elite athlete who starred in three sports in high school and turned down a scholarship to quarterback at Nebraska to sign with the Royals," reads the MLB.com scouting report. "On the baseball field he has the chance to be a five-tool center fielder. He’s an excellent defensive center fielder with more than enough range to excel there long term. He has a very strong arm as well. His plus speed helps him on defense and will be an asset on the basepaths. He has plus power potential and most feel he’ll hit for average as well. His tool set has been compared to Drew Stubbs of the Reds, but Starling has the chance to be a better hitter."