The reigning French champions aren’t satisfied, as their coach, Owen Ozanich, wants to win everything this season. Latest articles on the eight Division 1 teams.
BTVF: What will be the French champions’ goals in 2024?
The first goal is to defend the title. But chronologically, we first want to win the Challenge, then the European Cup. We have plenty of pitchers, and we have a good chance of pulling off the treble. In the long term, we want to be the first French club to win the European title. We keep that in mind.
BTVF: What was the off-season recruitment like?
First, we wanted to bring back Kevin Canelon and Daniel Gosselin, and that’s done. We’ll also count on the very experienced Venezuelan pitcher Fernando Bello, who played in the Blue Jays organization. He was already in Montpellier, even played in DH, but really, he’ll be a very useful reinforcement for us. At shortstop, in addition to Oscar Bustamante who will join us later, we’ve brought in Australian Riley Spring, who has a few games in the ABL. He hit a home run in his first at-bat in a preseason game! Beyond recruitment, what matters most is having depth, talent. When someone is injured, absent, or leaves the club, another is ready to step in. Everyone is ready.
BTVF: Will we also see Owen Ozanich in the rotation, the winner of Game 5 of last year’s final?
I am indeed coming back as a pitcher. I have two goals: of course, this season with the Barracudas, and also 2025. Next March, there will be the World Baseball Classic qualifier. And I think if I stay in shape, I can be part of the adventure.
BTVF: Since we’re on pitchers, can you talk about last year’s breakout star, Ben Couvreur?
He is really incredible. You don’t know if it’s his talent or his results that surprise us the most… Every time he pitches, it seems like he’s improving. There’s no situation that seems too complicated for him. Since a Challenge game against Rouen where he was hit hard, he’s taken off. He shows extraordinary maturity, he behaves like a 26-27-year-old veteran, maybe that’s what’s most impressive. What I’ve noticed this spring is that everything is even better with him, he’s more precise, he throws harder, he’s more explosive, we really expect a great season from him. We’ll manage his innings and pitch count well to avoid injuries and fatigue. I’m in constant communication with Keino Perez at the France pole and we’re keeping a very close eye on him.
BTVF: Do you think the introduction of the JFL is a good thing?
Yes, it’s a good idea, especially in the long term. It might be a bit more complicated this season, but at least clubs will be forced to develop pitchers. They won’t have a choice anymore and won’t be able to rely on foreign pitchers. It will create positive competition.
BTVF: Will the JFL change the club’s development policy?
There’s already a big change with the departure of Jean-Michel Mayeur from the club and the youth academy. We’re setting up his succession, and it’s not easy to follow him. Adrien Guyot and players from the Elite team will be mobilized. With the support of Giovanni Ouin, I will work hard with the club’s pitchers to develop even more French talent.
BTVF: You’ve just completed your first season as manager. What are your impressions of this experience?
What’s probably the most difficult is all the administrative work and travel to manage. But fortunately, I have an excellent staff around me who helps everything go smoothly. On the field, I’ve had the chance to work with exceptional coaches like Robin Roy, Keino Perez, Éric Gagné, Bruce Bochy, I try to take a bit from each of them to build my own style. I consider myself a ‘player coach’, I’m very honest with the players, about my expectations and goals.
BTVF: To finish, who are your main rivals?
I can see Rouen bouncing back, they’ve done good recruitment, they’re hosting the Challenge, they should have a good season. Sénart will also be solid, I know that all the more because they’ve recruited four of our players. The Templiers are always quite strong.
