CAPITALES ADD FORMER MLB 1st ROUND PICK PETE TAGO
Forty days before the start of the season, Québec manager Patrick Scalabrini strikes his biggest blow by acquiring pitcher Pete Tago who will be the ace of the Capitales' rotation this summer.
Former first-round pick of the Colorado Rockies in 2010, Tago's baseball resume is not to be neglected! Having reached AA-affiliated baseball several times and AAA in 2022, the American pitcher has an extensive track record that we have rarely seen at Stade Canac. Patrick Scalabrini does not hide his joy: "It's the icing on the cake! Pete is an innate competitor, a guy with a lot of experience. I can't wait to see him perform. He completes the starting rotation in the most beautiful way." Indeed, the right-handed pitcher and the Capitales have agreed to a contract that binds them for the 2023 season. Originally from the United States more precisely from California, Pete Tago is an imposing pitcher of 6 feet 3 inches, 204 pounds. The Capitales' pitchers will be intimidating this summer considering the imposing statures of Carlos Sano and Steven Fuentes who are already under contract.
In 2022, Tago actually played at the AAA level for the Sacramento River Cats. Even though he has pitched very few innings for a struggling team, the fact that a team of this level gives him a chance speaks to the extent of his skills. The gunner also played for Union Laguna in 2022 where he enjoyed greater success with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses. He allowed only 3 earned runs during his time in Mexico and retired 31 batters in 34 innings. Used as a reliever in recent years, his role will be very different with the Capitales.
The long-time manager of the Québec City team is very satisfied with the arrival of Pete Tago in Québec City: "Tago's career is impressive, he has all the qualities to be dominant at the level of the Frontier League. Just like Fuentes, I have high expectations for him! It was an arduous process to bring him to Québec City, so I'm very pleased that the deal is closed." We can expect to see the American pitcher be Patrick Scalabrini's number one weapon and therefore throw a lot of innings at Stade Canac. Tago had several options on the table. The reputation and quality of the Capitales' organization as well as Québec City were important elements in the process that led the pitcher to sign with the team.
The Capitales' lineup is getting more and more complete although we will certainly see some changes and surprises between now and the start of the season. It is probably conservative to say that Scalabrini will delight Québec fans in the coming weeks.
Let's be patient for these last days of waiting before baseball returns. Even if the snow seems to persist, as every summer, it will eventually dissipate.
