BISCUITS OPENER: Caminero feeling at home at Double-A level
Junior Caminero got his first start at the end of May and has continued to prove he belongs at the Double A level. (Photo by Tim Gayle)
BY GRAHAM DUNN
It was May 30. One of the top prospects in the Tampa Bay Rays organization was called up to the Montgomery Biscuits in Junior Caminero, a slick-hitting infielder from the Dominican Republic.
Caminero got his initial start that night against the Rocket City Trash Pandas and took advantage with his first hit at the Double A level.
The great news for Junior - his family was on hand to watch it happen, which is rare since they don’t get a chance to see him in action personally. The family got a souvenir for their travels with the baseball that scooted through the infield.
His younger brother, Geraldi, carried that souvenir all over Riverwalk Stadium, showing it to anyone who would look at it.
“They came from the Dominican to be here so that meant a lot since they don’t get to come see me play much,” he said through an interpreter. “They give me the support that I need and it helps me play. It made it more special for them to see my first hit.”
The Biscuits are back home after a long road trip of 12 games. They opened a six-game homestand on Tuesday against the Birmingham Barons, losing 7-2.
A youngster at the age of 20 (which he turned on July 5), Caminero is breaking in slowly at the Double-A level. Ranked in the top 5 among Tampa Bay prospects, the expectations are pretty high.
According to his manager, Morgan Ensberg, he has brought a good work ethic and a will to learn his craft in the early stages.
“He really cares and is always looking to do the extras,” Ensberg said. “He has improved greatly in the short time he’s been here, especially defensively. He is going to have a long and successful career.”
Just a few days after arriving to Montgomery, he got a pleasant surprise when he was invited to participate in the MLB Futures Game, which featured the top Minor League prospects. He spent three days in Seattle, soaking in all of the festivities.
“It was a great experience, being around all of those great players,” Caminero said. “I could see what it’s like to play in the big leagues because all of those guys will be there soon.
"The main thing for me was learning the concentration and focus, doing what I needed to do under those big lights. It was a short time and I learned from them. But also what was so great was the fans. They were very supportive. Having the experience should help me.”
Prior to the last homestand, Montgomery’s regular third baseman, Austin Shenton, was sent to Durham after leading the team in several offensive categories.
Caminero got the chance to try a new position. At the moment, he is the Biscuits’ third baseman.
“Caminero has great work ethic,” Ensberg said “Since I played third, I can help him in some of the game that is playing that position. He is transitioning which has been great for him and our team.”
Caminero got a head start when he played the position during the Futures game. He found out pretty quickly how much enjoyed it.
“Playing third in the Futures game was a great,” he said. “I felt really good there and very comfortable. So, I think I’m ready to take that challenge on.”
There has also been a learning curve at the plate. Caminero had slugged his way to a .356 batting average at High-A Bowling Green before the call up to Montgomery. He has continued that performance in the Capital City but realizes he has room to grow.
“I’m learning patience,” he said.
“He is a very good hitter and he hits it hard,” Mason Auer said. “It’s been fun getting to know him and be around him. He’s been a good teammate.”
Biscuits hitting coach Waurnner Rincones has seen steady improvement in the Biscuits’ new third baseman. Early success hasn’t dampened his willing to learn.
“We are working on a lot of his game but he is a very talented hitter,” Rincones said. “We are working on his hitting with two strikes, which at this level is not an easy thing to do. But we’ve seen a lot of improvement. “
When the time comes, Caminero is expected to be at the next level, sooner than later. In the meantime, he is making whatever adjustments needed to get there.
“Trying to learn my job,” he said. “I don’t think about moving forward. When it happens, that will be great. I am doing what I can to get better. When it’s time to move from here, I should be ready.”