Which of the three states of matter is Javy Baez? On the surface, that’s a silly question: He’s a solid, same as any other human. But there are times when Baez seems to flit through the other two. On the base paths, he turns liquid, gliding and twisting away from would-be tags; sometimes he’s so good at avoiding gloves that he seems like a gas, unable to be touched. He’s a magic trick: Now you see him, and now … well, you still see him, but good luck catching him.
The highlight reel of Baez ducking and dodging on the bases is a long and enjoyable one.