After a tough 2022 season, Montigny’s Cougars are fighting back and setting high ambitions for 2023. Missing out on Division 1 for 2024 is not in their game plan. They’ve announced players re-signing this year, including Brazilian catcher Gabriel DoCarmo and Venezuelan pitchers Yorfranck Lopez and Robinson Maestre. They’re in Pool A with Rouen, La Rochelle, Toulouse, and PUC. The top two spots will be hard-fought. They’ll dive right in, facing Rouen, the 2022 French champions, on Opening Day.
Interview with Jose De Araujo, President of Montigny.
BTVF: How do you assess the 2022 season?
The 2022 season ended in disappointment for our team, as we narrowly missed the playoffs again, just like in 2021. We finished two games short of qualifying, with matches against Rouen and Savigny decided by just one run. We also had three injured pitchers, including our ace, which didn’t help. We finished fifth, with lackluster play-downs as motivation faded.
BTVF: What’s your main goal for the 2023 season across all competitions?
Our goal is to reach the playoffs and win the challenge to return to the European Cup. It’s an experience we had in 2019, and we want to relive it with this team.
BTVF: What collective strengths will you rely on to tackle each match?
Overall, we’ll rely on our pitchers, the young players joining us this year, our experienced veterans, and our experience in high-stakes games after two years in tough pools. Last year, our pool included the finalists.
In the bullpen
We can count on Yorfrank Lopez, who’s still with us and preparing with the team, and Antoine Rault’s return after overcoming last year’s health issues and friendly match struggles.
BTVF: Which statement best describes your club’s approach to new players?
1- Waiting until the last moment to announce and communicate player names
Expect some surprises before Opening Day.
BTVF: Are you planning to broadcast matches, and if so, what improvements are in store for 2023?
Not this season, but it’s something the club is considering for the future.
BTVF: What are the pros and cons of having a Division 2 team alongside Division 1?
The advantage is developing players for Division 1, as the gap is smaller than coming from Regional 1. It makes the club more attractive for young recruits, who can play in either division based on their level.
However, like Division 1, it’s an expensive championship for an amateur level, requiring strong finances to maintain teams at both levels. That won’t be our case this year; we haven’t entered a team in Division 2.
BTVF: What infrastructure improvements have you made for this new season?
Nothing specific this season, maybe some work on the home plate and pitcher’s mound.
BTVF: What major adaptations have you made in terms of training and recruitment to prepare for the 2024 season (8 teams, JFL players…)?
We’re investing in internal training with a development center that’s been running for two years, which we hope to expand and improve next year. For recruitment, we won’t change our approach much, as it’s been successful.
BTVF: What do you wish for in 2023?
That we achieve our goals and, above all, avoid injuries.
