The biggest surprise of training camp came from Europe as Dutchman Delano Selassa earned a spot with the team.
“I really liked him and he earned his position with us. He was still the most valuable player in his league in Holland. It’s certain that it’s weaker than our league, but he still played on his country’s national team. He has a good swing, I think people will like him,” explains Scalabrini with confidence, who also highlighted the work in the camp of Francisco Hernandez.
It is often said that one person’s happiness causes another’s unhappiness, this is clearly the case with infield player Émile Boies. He will not be part of the first trip of the team which will play the first nine games of the season on American territory.
“My decision was made easier in his case when he suffered a hamstring injury. In the end, Selassa was superior to him, but we are going to keep him around the team since there is a good chance that the team will change when they return from the trip.
Le Soleil – Capitales pre-season Thibault Mercadier – May 3, 2024 – Photo Caroline Grégoire (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
New blood
Scalabrini was also greatly impressed by pitcher Sam Ryan. He will also entrust him with the ball for the team’s first match.
“He has a lot of experience with his minor league background. You see he has unwavering confidence and the moment won’t be too big for him. He has good stuff with three good throws. I particularly like his slippery ball.”
The Capitals will also be able to benefit from another player from Europe since French pitcher Thibault Mercadier also made the team.
“He will most likely be used in relief and I also liked the work of Mathieu Voros. He’s a big guy and he throws with good velocity. It’s not bad the two gunners who finalize our personnel on the mound. There is a little unknown since they are both very young, but I have confidence.
Quebec, Capitals Match – 06/29/2023 – June 29, 2023 (Erick Labbé/The Sun)
The team to beat
The manager knows very well that his team, which won the first two Frontier League championships, will serve as motivation for other teams on the circuit. He remains confident that his team can stand out once again this season.
“We have already been talking since day 1 that it is our goal to achieve the three-peat (3 consecutive championships). It takes several things for this to happen. We need to see our key players succeed and we need to stay healthy. A big part of the team is Kyle Crowl, he’s a very important player for us and his health is crucial.
Le Soleil – Capitales Quirion pre-season – May 3, 2024 – Photo Caroline Grégoire (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
A Quebecer with leadership
Patrick Scalabrini ended the interview by having good words for receiver Anthony Quirion. He will be called upon to play several positions this season.
“He is a unifier and he has natural leadership qualities. He’s a talkative type on the field and the guys already like him. He has batting power and I think the independent baseball style will suit him.”
Regarding the great story of Mathieu Sirois who was trying to make his place with the club, Scalabrini had great things to say about the baseballer even if the team will leave without him for the United States.
“His chances were really slim to succeed in playing with us, but he still managed to catch my attention. He showed a lot of guts and I appreciated the fact that he arrived in great shape at camp. He really didn’t seem crazy.”
