Capitals Announce Opening Day Roster
May 25, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release
Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Capitals announced today their 23-man opening day roster as they prepare to start the 2011 North American League season on Thursday against the provincial rival Calgary Vipers.
The Capitals roster includes 11 pitchers, two of whom have World Series championship rings, as well as two catchers, five infielders and five outfielders, led by first-year Field Manager Orv Franchuk. Nine Edmonton players have Major League Baseball experience, while six more have played at the Triple-A level during their careers.
The Capitals pitching rotation features veteran hurlers Lou Pote and Albie Lopez, who have played a combined 426 career MLB games and own two World Series rings between them. Pote captured the 2002 World Series as a member of the Anaheim Angels, while Lopez won the 2001 title with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Lopez posted 47 career MLB victories during 297 games over 11 seasons.
Other starting pitchers for the Capitals are Alexander Francisco (8-3, 3.22 ERA during 2010 with Edmonton), Daryl Arreola (10-4, 4.42 ERA during 2010 with Edmonton and Yuma) and Steve Green (Greenfield Park, Quebec native and MLB experience with Anaheim Angels). Edmonton's opening day closer is Bartolome Fortunato, a former New York Met and Tampa Bay Ray, and another reliever of note is former Pittsburgh Pirate and Florida Marlin David Davidson (Richmond Hill, Ontario native).
Returning position players include right fielder Tom Collaro, second baseman Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, B.C. native), shortstop Enrique Cruz, catcher Nick Valdez, utility infielder Alex Chavez and outfielder Steve Brown. They are joined by newcomer third baseman Willy Aybar, catcher Lou Santangelo, first baseman Brent Metheny and outfielders Todd Linden, Cody Nowlin and Pete Tountas.
"We're confident with the roster we've put together and we're excited to get the 2011 season underway," said Capitals Director of Baseball Operations Gord Gerlach. "We've really upgraded our pitching staff and we've got a great mix of speed, power and defensive prowess throughout our lineup. We're looking forward to a very competitive season."
After spending the previous two weeks in Scottsdale, Arizona for training camp, the Capitals open the 2011 NAL season on Thursday in Calgary against the Vipers. The provincial rivals play four games at Foothills Stadium before heading north to Edmonton for the Capitals' home opener on Tuesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at TELUS Field.
The Capitals are the city's most affordable entertainment option in the summer featuring Edmonton's largest patio! Season seats start at less than $9 per seat. Individual game tickets start at $10 in advance and can be purchased at the Capitals Box Office (10233 - 96 Ave) during regular business hours Monday through Friday, at any Ticketmaster location, online at capsbaseball.ca or via phone at 780-414-GOAL (4625).
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