Phillies FCL (Florida Complex League) backfields baseball doesn’t often get the attention that full season teams do (as is the case in every organization). The games generally are played on training complex practice fields instead of in the stadiums (every now and again games are in the Low A stadiums if available) and lack the fan interest and recognition found at the paid attendance contests. It’s the norm for what is often called the “rookie level” of play.
In the Florida Complex League games are generally played mid-day with very few observers in attendance to watch - usually scouts, team employees, player’s family members, autograph collectors and perhaps an idiot amateur writer like me. The spark of enthusiasm that is generated is solely on the field and generated by the players themselves. It may be the purest form of pro baseball one can see - no walk up music introductions, no mid inning fan participation games, no food or drink for folks to purchase - just baseball.
One player who has been an absolute joy to watch play thus far this year in the FCL is 18 year old Domincan shortstop Starlyn Caba. The energy he brings each day to practice and games is both engaging and contagious. The FCL Phillies this season are predominantly players who have played their initial experiences in the Dominican Summer League and bonded as teammates at the Dominican Academy and now continue that here in Clearwater. Caba stands out as both a leader and as a player, his defensive skills are unparalleled and his baseball acumen is of the throwback variety, he gets it.
When you watch Starlyn play you see constant movement and chatter - he’s into every pitch and is always anticipating the play. We’ve seen him make defensive snags and throws that leave us in disbelief with range that only the best are capable of. I’ve personally nicknamed him “Right Turn” simply because any baseball hit by a batter his way will result in a right turn back to the dugout by the hitter after he makes the obligatory run to the first base bag. He’s that good. Offensively we’ve seen quick hands and the ability to drive the baseball as a switch hitter - he’s got legitimate pop, this ain’t no singles hitter 😎. I’ve had the distinct advantage of watching him play in person multiple times - something not many can say - believe me when I tell you that the defensive prowess I saw Johan Rojas display early in his career as a center fielder has only been matched once and it’s by Caba at shortstop - I’ve seen quite a few players and I do not make that statement lightly.
So far this season in 62 plate appearances he’s posted a .292/.452/.417 slash line with an .869 OPS - he has 3 doubles, a home run, seven RBIs and 14 walks - 7 stolen bases in 10 attempts. It’s a very solid start to his first stateside season - given his age it’s likely he completes the entire season with the FCL Phillies. Today I did a Q & A with Starlyn - I did so via electronic translation as he’s not yet fully adept in English nor I in Spanish - here’s our correspondence :
Starlyn - it’s really fun to watch you play baseball - your enthusiasm is outstanding. When did you begin to play and have you always enjoyed the game?
“I love this sport, I have been playing it since I was 4 years old.”
Are you a goal setter? What goals do you have this year if so?
“My goal this year is to have a better year than last because I believe in myself and my talent and I know that I can. The most important thing is that I have God with me.”
Whenever Juan Samuel is around I notice that you always interact - is he someone who you see as a mentor? How has he helped you?
“More than my mentor, I see him as a father in sports, he is a man with a lot of experience and I learn a lot from him when he is here in Clearwater. I try to always learn something from him.”
What part of baseball do you enjoy the most - defense or hitting? You take charge on defense - is that something you were taught?
“I love playing defense, because I can be creative and do unique things. I always try to be a captain.”
The team mostly consists of players who have been your teammates before in the Dominican - it seems that you all get along well - has winning as a team in the DSL helped the group now play in the FCL?
“We are all brothers and we came here to give our best. We have a good team this year, we want to have that ring.”
I noticed that you had some family members at the complex a while ago - how good was it to see them? How difficult is it to come to the states and play?
“It was the best thing that happened this year to have my family here, it was something that made me want to play more so that they feel proud of me every day. It really hasn't been difficult to come here to the United States because I came for a dream and I know I'm going to achieve it because my mind is only on baseball.”
Thanks to Starlyn for taking the time to answer my questions - indeed he has a dream of reaching the major leagues and with his skillset, heart and determination I certainly would not bet against him in achieving it.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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