The Florida Complex League (FCL) begins league play on Saturday, May 4th with seven opening day games scheduled. The league plays games on Mondays (weekday games @ 12 noon) thru Saturdays (10 AM) with most teams having Wednesday as a camp day, all teams have Sundays off.
There are 15 teams in the league with three divisions : East - Astros, Cardinals, Marlins, Mets & Nationals, North - Phillies, Yankees, Tigers, Blue Jays and South - Braves, Orioles, Pirates, Rays, Red Sox and Twins. The regular season concludes on 7/25/24 followed by a one game semi-final playoff round (three division winners plus a wildcard) and a best of three championship series.
The FCL Phillies open against the FCL Blue Jays on Saturday in Dunedin (@ Blue Jays Complex), all of their regular season scheduled 59 games are against the three North Division foes. The team is managed by Shawn Williams.
Here’s a look at the skipper and the coaches associated with the team and Player Development Center followed by the anticipated roster - note that rehab players working at the complex often participate in FCL games once they have begun rehab assignments.
Manager and Coaches :
Manager - Shawn Williams - returns for a second year after managing the FCL Phillies last season - spent the prior three seasons at the helm in Reading after guiding the Clearwater Threshers from 2017 to 2018. In 2018, the Threshers won the second-half title in the Florida State League North Division. Prior to his time in Clearwater Shawn managed in Lakewood (A) for two seasons (2015-2016). He joined the Phillies player developmental staff full time in 2014 as a manager for Williamsport (A) after serving as a player/coach for Williamsport in 2013. He spent four seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays minor league system as a player from 2007-2010.
Pitching Coach - Jarrod Parker - was the first round draft selection (9th overall) of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2007 MLB draft from Norwell High School in Indiana. He was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2011. Pitched two full seasons in the majors with Oakland making 62 starts and going 25-16 with a 3.68 ERA in 384 IP and pitched in the 2012 ALDS. Had multiple injuries thereafter (TJ surgery, elbow fracture, right medial epicondyle) and never made it back to the major leagues. He retired in 2018 and said he'd look to work in the health industry, potentially serving as a rehab coordinator for players returning from injury. He opened Parker Sports Performance in Nashville, TN that year which is a "home base for clients and athletes to train, learn and recover. Creating not only a healthy athlete but an educated one by executing a training program to reach peak physical and mental toughness. Promoting positive attitudes towards sports performance.” This is his first endeavor as a coach in organized professional baseball.
Pitching Development Coach - Luis Avilàn - pitched ten seasons in the major leagues from 2012 to 2021 with the Braves, Dodgers, White Sox, Phillies, Mets and Nationals. Appeared in 458 games (all as a reliever) posting a 3.43 ERA in 354 IP. This is the first venture as a coach for the 34 year old former left handed pitcher.
Hitting Coach - Rafael Delima - third consecutive season with the FCL Phillies - became manager of the VSL Phillies when the club was formed in 2005; he had already been coordinating the Venezuelan academy for several years. Came stateside to coach for Williamsport ( 2012 ), the GCL Phillies ( 2013-2019 ) and the Jersey Shore Blue Claws in 2021.
Hitting Coach - Jake Palomaki - was a Player Development Coordinator for Pinnacle Performance from 10/22 till 12/23 - prior to that played in the Rays and Angels organizations. Was the 2018 18th round draft selection of the Rays from Boston College. He hit .304/.387/.370 in 364 plate appearances with the Angels AAA team in Salt Lake City in 2022 as an infielder. This is his first affiliated coaching position.
Position Coach/Base running Coordinator - Gary Cathcart - begins his third season with the Phillies as base-running Coordinator, was selected by the Yankees in the 33rd round of the 1984 draft and played five seasons in the minors, all in the Yankees organization as an outfielder. After initially coaching in independent and college baseball he joined the Blue Jays in 2003 as their hitting coach for Advanced A level Dunedin. He stayed with the Blue Jays organization thru the 2009 season and was the manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats his last two seasons with them. In 2010 he joined the Washington Nationals organization and managed in their system thru the 2015 season, in 2016 Cathcart moved to the Miami Marlins initially as their outfield and base running coordinator and eventually becoming the Minor League Field Coordinator, dual roles he maintained thru the 2017 season. The Tigers hired him the next year and he worked for them thru 2021 serving as the manager of the Tigers East squad in the Florida Complex League.
Player Development Instructor - Roly DeArmas - begins his 38th year as a Phillies minor league manager/coach - legendary Phillies coach/manager who also has served as bullpen coach for Team USA. He’s been in pro baseball since 1973 - first as a player for five seasons and since as a minor league Manager/Coach. He’s also coached in the Major Leagues with the White Sox, Blue Jays and Phillies. Tremendous baseball knowledge and a vital asset to the organization.
Player Development Instructor - Sean Rodriquez - begins his third season as a coach at the complex - played in 13 major league seasons with six organizations including the Phillies.
Athletic Trainer - Raul Perez - began as an intern with the organization in 2019 - hired as an Athletic Trainer in February of 2020. Holds a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA degree in athletic training from Azusa Pacific University. Was the major league clubs medical operations liaison last season.
Medical Operations Liason - Troy Hoffert - has been with the Phillies since 1992 serving as a trainer at multiple affiliates over the years. Has been the long time trainer of the GCL/FCL Phillies. A graduate of Salem State University with a masters degree from Temple University in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine.
Strength & Conditioning Coach - Blaine Taylor - 3rd season at Clearwater after coming over from the Reds where he worked for three years (2017 - 2020) with various affiliates. Graduate degree in kinesiology, exercise science from Fresno Pacific University.
Strength & Conditioning Coach - Carlos Monteagudo - 1st year in the organization - holds a bachelors degree in sports medicine/athletic training from the University of Kansas and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist.
The Players :
Pitchers : (14)
RH Enrique Segura - 19 years old - signed 1/15/22 - San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic - made ten starts last season in FCL - fun to watch power arm with great movement on his pitches - potential big league talent. Second season in the FCL.
RH Wilmer Blanco - 20 years old - signed 12/14/21 - Maracay, Venezuela - pitched last two seasons in the Dominican Summer League - 22 appearances - 16 starts - 3.80 ERA in 68.2 IP - attacks the zone. He has good life on his fastball and is in the mid nineties with it. Posted a 2.80 ERA last season with 47 strikeouts in 45 innings in the DSL last season. First season stateside, was brought over in January for High Performance Camp.
RH Alexis De La Cruz - 19 years old - signed 1/15/23 - Sosua, Dominican Republic - pitched his first pro season last year in the Dominican Summer League - large frame - big arm - 10 appearances in 2023 - 9 starts - 4.31 ERA in 31.1 IP. Impressed this spring in the various camps, mid to upper nineties fastball. First season stateside, was brought over in January for High Performance Camp.
RH Maxwell Hernandez - 20 years old - signed 10/26/21 from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - was a DSL all-star in 2023 - has a career 1.70 ERA in 21 games (all starts) amassing 95.1 IP - last season he posted a 2.76 ERA in 10 starts (45.2 IP) - also has pitched in three DSL playoff games over two seasons (all starts) posting a 0.60 ERA in 15 IP with 11 K’s - a 0.80 WHIP. Travis Hergert (Minor League Pitching Coordinator) : “Hernandez has a delivery similar to Hector Nerris. He has both a four seam and two seamer at 94-95 mph, has touched 97 - a slider in the low 80’s and power change up. He fills up the strike zone and has been in many pressure playoff innings in the DSL.” First season stateside.
RH Adilson Peralta - 20 years old - signed 11/16/21 from Moca, Dominican Republic - has a 4.50 ERA over his two year DSL career (18 games - 16 starts - 66 IP) with 62 K’s and 31 walks. Last season he had a 3.25 ERA (11 games - 10 starts) in 44.1 IP with 44 K’s and 20 walks. Travis Hergert (Minor League Pitching Coordinator) : “Peralta is a long, lean build with a loose arm. He features a four seam fast ball that is 93-96 mph. He has a sharp mid 80’s slider and a developing change-up.” First season stateside.
RH Danyony Pulido - 21 years old - signed 2/2/21 from Caracas, Venezuela - has pitched in the DSL three seasons - 36 games - 21 starts - 3.17 ERA in 119.1 IP with 116 K’s and 71 walks. Last season he had a 3.21 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) amassing 42 IP with 51 K’s and 18 walks - over his career he’s also pitched in 4 games (3 starts) totaling 10.1 IP. Travis Hergert (Minor League Pitching Coordinator) : “Pulido is a wide shouldered pitcher with power stuff. A four seamer that sits 94-97 mph along with a mid 90’s two seamer and a power slider in the mid 80’s. He also features a developing power change up. He attacks the strike-zone.” Has impressed this spring when I’ve seen him in XST games. First season stateside.
RH Pedro Reyes - 21 years old - signed 1/4/20 from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico - has pitched three seasons in the DSL - 28 games - 22 starts - 90.1 IP - 2.19 ERA with 71 K’s and 26 walks. Last season he pitched in 8 games (6 starts) amassing 18 IP and posting a 1.50 ERA with 18 K’s and 5 walks - a 0.72 WHIP. Travis Hergert (Minor League Pitching Coordinator) : “Reyes is a tall lean pitcher with really good feel for the strike zone. His four seamer and two seamer both range around 90-92 mph, has touched 94, he has a sharp mid 80’s slider and a really good change-up.” First season stateside.
LH Juan Amarante - 20 years old - signed 1/28/22 from Valencia, Venezuela - has a career 2.83 ERA in 25 games DSL (nine starts) - 57.1 IP - last season for Phillies Red appeared in 10 games (nine starts) amassing 28.1 IP posting 37 K’s and 18 walks. Travis Hergert (Minor League Pitching Coordinator) : “Amarante is a Ranger Suarez comp lefty. He fills up the strike zone at 90-92 mph with a bendy curve ball and fading change-up. He continues to get better each month and keeps adding velo to the arsenal.” First season stateside.
RH Luis Avila - 20 years old - signed 2/23/23 from Turmero, Venezuela - appeared in 14 games (all in relief) for Phillies White in 2023 posting a 2.35 ERA in 23 IP with 23 K’s and 8 walks. Travis Hergert (Minor League Pitching Coordinator) : “Avila is a power arm that throws from a high slot. He also throws a hard cutter around 87-88 mph and a low 80’s slider.” Fastball range is 95-97 mph. First season stateside.
LH Kleyderve Andrade - 21 years old - signed 5/7/22 from Valencia, Venezuela - had an outstanding season in 2023 for the DSL White team posting a 1.76 ERA in 15 games (30.2 IP) with 44 strikeouts and 12 walks. He saved three games in three chances and opponents hit just .209 against him. It was his second year playing in the DSL. My notes from last season reflect pitching coordinator Travis Hergert’s comparison to current Reading lefty reliever Jordi Martinez in regards to similar delivery and build. He features a good fastball that was up to 94 mph last summer and became a “go-to” reliever. First season stateside.
RH Josbel Garcia - 20 years old - signed 10/21/21 from Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela - appeared in 14 regular season DSL games last summer posting a 1.69 ERA in 32 IP with 15 K’s and 6 walks. He saved one game in his only chance. Josbel also appeared in one post-season game for the DSL White team pitching 2.1 innings. My notes from last season from Travis Hergert show that his fastball was up to 95 mph and that he also had been a main reliever. Garcia played more of a bulk role with his slider being an effective pitch. First season stateside.
RH Luis Gonzalez - 18 years old - signed 1/15/22 from Barquisimeto, Venezuela - went 4-1 in 11 appearances (9 starts) in the DSL last season posting a 1.99 ERA in 49.2 IP with 38 K’s and 9 walks. He also made two appearances in the post-season pitching 11 innings and recording a 1.64 ERA and 0.82 WHIP with 8 K’s and 2 walks. Was named to the league national league affiliates all-star roster. Over two seasons in the DSL has made 22 appearances (20 starts) with a 2.86 ERA in 100.2 IP with 68 K’s and only 14 walks. He’s a strike thrower with pitch-ability skills - fast ball presently sits lower 90’s and has a good change up and curve. First season stateside.
LH Benyony Robles - 23 years old - acquired from Dodgers this year in trade for RHP Connor Brogdon - pitched in 33 games (1 start) last season for single-A Great Lakes and posted a 3.86 ERA (14 ER, 32.2 IP). He struck out 53 batters and averaged 14.6 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched. Of the 137 batters he faced, he struck out 38.7% of them. Over five minor league seasons, Robles had posted a 4.67 ERA (130 ER, 250.2 IP) with 277 strikeouts and 134 walks allowed in 99 games (37 starts). Born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Robles was originally signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent on July 3, 2017. Will likely pitch in a few FCL games before being assigned to an affiliate.
RH Cam Brown - 22 years old - drafted in tenth round of the 2023 draft from Texas Christian University - appeared in three games with the 2023 FCL Phillies (1) and Threshers (2) - one and two third innings pitched. We saw him in a couple live BP sessions last year before he was assigned to the Threshers and were impressed with the stuff. He’s got more than enough velo to succeed and a slider that looks like an out maker with its action and spiral. The key is command and control as it is with any pitcher. Fastball sits in the 93 to 96 mph range with the slider as offsetting pitch and an occasional change-up. Had a very good set of 2024 spring camps (High Performance to ST) but had some arm and shoulder discomfort so didn’t break camp with an affiliate. Has been in process of refining command/control and building arm strength since. Will likely pitch in a few FCL games before being assigned to an affiliate.
Catchers : (4)
Guillermo Rosario - 19 years old - signed 7/25/22 from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - in his only pro season to date he posted a .264/.402/.319 slash line in 112 plate appearances with 5 doubles and 11 RBIs over 32 games played in the DSL. He threw out 11 of 20 would be base stealers (55 %). I’ve watched him in extended spring camp and it became quickly evident the young man has a canon for an arm, throws to the bags have been precise and are lasers. He’s a big frame receiver at 6’2” 190.
First year stateside. RH hitter.
Jorge Mendez - 20 years old - signed 8/2/19 - Maracay, Venezuela - RH hitter - played in 25 games for the FCL Phillies in 2023. Very good defender who handles the bat well also - great eye hand coordination - rarely ever strikes out (an amazing 1 K in 60 plate appearances last season).
Ricardo Perez - 20 years old - signed 2/2/21 from Valencia, Venezuela - LH hitter - spent the entirety of last season on the suspended list. Will likely see a good amount of action at first base, LHH who can swing the bat, quick hands and has pop. In 2022 posted a .349/.387/.398 slash line in 93 plate appearances with the FCL Phillies.
Eduardo Tait - 17 years old - signed 1/15/23 from Panama City, Panama - LH hitter who was a DSL all-star in his first pro season last year - hit .333/.400/.517 with a .917 OPS with 12 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs and 36 RBIs. Outstanding hitting tools - Can flat out rake. Has thoroughly impressed in the 2024 training camps to date. Very good throwing arm as a receiver. First year stateside.
Infielders : (8)
Jarol Martinez - 20 years old - signed 7/19/19 from Guarenas, Venezuela - has played three seasons in the DSL - a career .235/.360/.288 slash line in 323 plate appearances over 109 games - he’s also played in 8 playoff games. Last season he hit .272/.375/.348 in 113 plate appearances. In the games I’ve watched on video stream and this spring in XST he’s been a versatile defender - has played 1B,SS,3B and RF - comes up big in big moments - good hands and arm strength. Has shown a very good glove at 1B digging out low throws, athletic player. First year stateside. RH hitter.
Yemil Rosario - 20 years old - signed 2/2/21 from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - has played three seasons in the DSL - .222/.341/.294 slash line in 452 plate appearances with 15 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs and 35 stolen bases. Last year posted a .272/.409/.377 slash line in 48 games (186 plate appearances) with 7 doubles, 2 home runs and 25 RBIs - has played all four infield positions and left field. First year stateside. RH hitter.
Juan Villavicencio - 19 years old - signed 1/15/22 from Maracaibo, Venezuela - in two DSL seasons has a .234/.339/.365 slash line with 14 doubles, 6 triples, 5 home runs and 44 RBIs in 372 plate appearances. Last season posted 28 RBIs in 49 games. I’ve seen him play a few times - has a very strong arm and is smooth mechanically - has played 2B, SS and 3B in his career to date. Has been hampered this spring with injuries but is a dynamic player once he’s back to full speed. First year stateside. LH hitter.
Leonardo Rondon - 20 years old - signed 2/2/21 - Caracas, Venezuela - switch hitter - played in 27 FCL games in 2023 and posted solid numbers - .286/.389/.377 with a .766 OPS in 92 PA’s - versatile player who can play catcher, first, second and third base. Terrific attitude and very good hitter, quick hands with good bat to ball skills.
Nolan Beltran - 19 years old - signed 1/15/22 - Barranquilla, Columbia - LH hitter - we saw him briefly a couple years ago in instructs and this year in extended spring - excellent fielder at both 2B and SS - solid hitter who has played the last two years in the DSL - posted a .297/.375/.405 slash line in 128 plate appearances in the DSL last season. First year stateside.
Aroon Escobar - 19 years old - signed 1/15/22 - Caracas, Venezuela - RH power hitter - we saw him a couple years ago in instructs - was injured last season and played in just 33 DSL games - powerful build, quick hands - plays 3B primarily but also has seen game action at both 2B and SS. Has had an outstanding extended spring camp - he has barrelled the baseball consistently and hit it hard throughout extended spring camp. Big power. First year stateside.
Starlyn Caba - 18 years old - signed 1/15/23 - Bonao, Dominican Republic - switch hitter - played in 38 DSL games in 2023 (.301/.423/.346 slash line in 164 plate appearances with 16 stolen bases) before injuring left elbow and requiring surgery - smooth and slick fielder, dynamic talent. Extraordinary energy. Quick bat, strong bat to ball skills. Ozzie Smith like fielder, extremely fun to watch. First year stateside.
Diego Gonzalez - 20 years old - signed 7/2/19 - Barquisimeto, Venezuela - RH hitter - played the past two seasons in the FCL - finished last season strong hitting .385 in August in 26 at bats - plays 2B,SS and 3B. Played three games with the Threshers in April this year.
Outfielders : (6)
Manolfi Jimenez - 19 years old - signed 1/15/22 from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - in two DSL seasons he’s posted a .243/.304/.344 slash line in 94 games - 356 plate appearances - last year he hit 10 doubles, a triple and home run with 20 RBIs in 45 games (170 PA’s). He was outstanding in the 2023 DSL playoffs hitting .353/.522/.412 in 23 plate appearances. LH hitter. First year stateside.
Jerffson Peña - 20 years old - signed 11/16/21 from Montecristi, Dominican Republic - has a .253/.357/.384 slash line in 374 career plate appearances over two DSL seasons with 15 doubles, 6 triples, 5 home runs and 39 RBIs - also has 44 stolen bases. big frame at 6’2” who plays predominantly center field - left handed hitter, right handed thrower, very quick, good bat to ball skills from what I’ve seen in XST. First year stateside.
Ezra Farmer - 20 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/25/22 - Tahquitz HS, Hemet, CA - LH hitter - played in 12 FCL games in 2023 in a year which majority of time was dedicated to strength and conditioning - solid defender who can play either corner. Has hit the ball very well this spring in XST games.
Junior Marin - 20 years old - acquired from KC Royals organization in exchange for RHP James McArthur on 5/8/23 - was signed by KC on 3/23/21 from Punta de Piedras, Venezuela - RH hitter who put up very good numbers with the Royals in both the DSL and AZL - played in five games with 2023 FCL Phillies before being sidelined by injury - has big power as we’ve seen this spring in XST games.
AJ Shaver - 22 years old - 2023 17th round draft selection - Florida Southwestern State JC - RH hitter - played in 11 FCL games in 2023 - first career home run was a grand slam in the FCL that we witnessed. Played in 6 games this April with the Threshers and had a game winning walk off hit. Works hard and has pop, can play all outfield spots, primarily center field.
Yemal Flores - 20 years old - signed 2/2/21 - San Isidro, Dominican Republic - RH hitter - played in 14 games in the FCL last season in a year curtailed by injury - has big time power. Has been swinging the bat very well making big impact this spring in XST. Beginning his fourth season stateside in the FCL.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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