Bubba Starling’s New Outlook

SURPRISE, Ariz.—Outfielder Bubba Starling ranked as the best athlete and best position prospect among the high school draft class of 2011. So expectations have always been off the charts for the Kansas prep.

Starling also starred in basketball and football in high school and even signed a letter of intent to play quarterback at Nebraska.

While Starling has developed into a top-flight defensive center fielder in pro ball, the 24-year-old’s bat has lagged.

“I want to keep working hard and show the organization I am that guy they thought I was,” said Starling, the fifth overall pick in 2011. “I want to keep working out there, especially hitting.

“Once I figure that out . . . it will be good.”

Starling’s offense bottomed out last year. He hit just .183/.235/.298 with seven home runs in 109 games at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha.

Despite hitting .185 at Double-A last season, the Royals promoted Starling to Triple-A in July, thinking a change of scenery might help. He hit .181 with 36 percent strikeouts.

“I’ve just got to become a patient hitter,” Starling said. “In the past, some of the expectations have been too high. I’ve put too much pressure on myself.

“Once you go out there and relax and just ultimately have fun out there and have fun with your teammates, that’s when you’re most successful.”

The Royals signed Starling to a franchise record $7.5 million bonus.

“It’s been a long road for me,” Starling said. “For the front office to have the patience they have with me, coming from a small Kansas town, is a little different. Possibly not playing as much baseball as some of the other guys (also is different) . . .

“It’s time to figure things out and go from there.”

In five pro seasons Starling has amassed 2,302 plate appearances, counting two stints in the Arizona Fall League stints. Including that AFL time, he has struck out 28 percent of the time with just moderate power.

ROYALTIES

• The Royals optioned righthander Jake Junis to Triple-A after he logged a 15.19 ERA in four spring appearances.

• Non-roster righthander Yender Caramo allowed one run and six hits over 8.1 spring innings.

— Alan Eskew is a writer based in Kansas City