Luc Lang
luclang@qctonline.com
After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Quebec Capitales began their first training camp in two years on April 29 inside the inflated dome at Stade Canac.
During a press conference held on April 28 to launch the 2022 season, team president Michel Laplante and team manager Patrick Scalabrini could not stop smiling. Their patience has finally paid off and they are eager to start the new season in the Frontier League. Although Laplante and Scalabrini were the main architects behind the success of Équipe Québec in 2021 (created with the help of the Trois-Rivières Aigles), this will be the Capitales’ first season in the new league since the dissolution of the Can-Am League in 2019.
Laplante is also working with a group in Montreal who are interested in getting a franchise in the city that was once the home of the Expos of the National Baseball League.
Laplante explained why the dome is still covering the surface of Stade Canac. “We need three straight dry days (no rain) in order to [deflate and roll up] the dome,” said Laplante. “Until [then], the team will practice at Parc Henri-Casault or inside the dome on rainy days.”
Laplante introduced the new owner of the team, Philippe Tremblay, who bought the team from his father Jean Tremblay during the pandemic.
General manager Charles Demers announced that, in spite of inflation rates that are going through the roof, the prices of beer, hot dogs and nachos at concession stands will remain the same as in 2019. He also said that the long lineups at the concession stands will be shortened with the creation of a self-serve convenience store inside the former souvenir shop, which will be moved outside Stade Canac.
On the field, Scalabrini announced the return of David Glaude, a Quebecer who excelled last season with Équipe Québec. Catcher Jeffry Parra, another all-star with Équipe Québec, will also return with the Capitales.
Cuban shortstop Yordan Manduley will return and another Cuban player, outfielder Yeolkis Guibert, will join the Capitales in 2022.
Scalabrini also announced the arrival of Pedro Gonzalez, a power hitter who was once a prospect with the Texas Rangers and the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball. Scalabrini built his team with hitters capable of hitting home runs. “I’m sorry for the trees in left field as they may lose some branches this summer,” laughed Scalabrini when talking about the strength of his team on offense.
Finally, Scalabrini introduced the men who will help him on the bench this season. Josh McAdams will be a player/ coach. He will be the hitter’s coach for the Caps. Former New York Met pitcher, Robert Carson, completes the coaching staff as the pitching coach.