Epilogue

I wanted to come back to write one final post over here.  I truly appreciate all the comments and want to thank everybody for them, and for dropping by over the life of the blog.  It’s not been easy walking away from the blog, but certainly if someone wants to carry on with one, it’s not that hard.  Time consuming, but not that hard.  In the meantime, I believe that Neate will carry on with his coverage of the team and the Facebook groups will likely pick up their activity as well.  MSM coverage looks promising so far - with the Citizen and CTV Ottawa showing a great deal of support for the team.  Unfortunately, the news yesterday was not all that positive:

Rapidz fire GM Charrette

Dismissal by new owners ends ‘dream job’

Don Campbell

The Ottawa Citizen; with files from The Ottawa Citizen Staff

Thursday, May 08, 2008

The team name suggests “strong and forceful movement” and the new owners of the Ottawa Rapidz have wasted little time in dusting the franchise’s first general manager.

With the countdown to Opening Day of the 2008 CanAm League season at 16 days and new team ownership only 10 days old, the Rapidz have fired Don Charrette.

The move came late Tuesday, one day after the resignation of Charrette’s wife, Lorraine. She had worked for 15 years with the former Ottawa Lynx Triple-A club owned by Howard Darwin and, later, Ray Pecor. That team moved to Pennsylvania after the 2007 International League season.

Charrette, a 56-year-old former Little League coach, was one of the first hires for the CanAm franchise in January.

At the time, he called it a “dream job,” and he stuck by that assessment yesterday.

“It was a dream come true,” Charrette said. “When Miles (Wolff, the league commissioner), Lorraine and I were doing it, things were wonderful. We had a great team here.

Charrette had just returned to his office Tuesday afternoon after wiring money to a prospective player in South America when he was approached by Rapidz owners Rick Anderson and Rob Hall.

“I never saw it coming,” Charrette said yesterday. “Our family is devastated. I am devastated. I have no idea what my next move is. No idea.”

The Rapidz are to hold a free-agent tryout camp today at their home stadium on Coventry Road. The best of that crop is expected to begin an abbreviated spring training with players under contracts on Saturday morning.

The Rapidz have an exhibition game against a city all-star team next week and home-and-away exhibitions with the independent league’s Quebec Capitales one week later before opening the regular season May 22 with a four-game series against the New Jersey Jackals.

“Don made a strong contribution to getting things going here,” said Anderson, president and CEO of Zip.ca and Rapidz Sports and Entertainment, which bought the baseball franchise from the CanAm League. “We are grateful and respectful for what he has done.

“Baseball has a rebuilding job to do here and things have to be done to do that. Don did a helluva job the last three or four months to get things going.”

The GM’s position was never meant to have any connection with the baseball side of the operation, Anderson said. Charrette had been hired to set up the business side, and Anderson said another person with a business background would be hired to replace him in that role.

Wolff was in Ottawa before leaving on Sunday. He said he was unaware of problems between the new owners and Charrette, who had been hired by Wolff.

“The new ownership has their own ways of doing things,” Wolff said. “For myself, Don Charrette was the right kind of general manager. He did a good job for me. He wanted to become involved in baseball full-time and this was his chance.

“But new ownership will make changes anywhere, and it’s like a player being released. That player is never happy. The new owners have a vision for what they want this to become and they have a plan. The business side of things is where their expertise lies, and I will continue to consult them on the baseball side until Opening Day.”

Yesterday, the Rapidz announced the signing of 27-year-old infielder Juan Carlos Infante.

Losing both Don and Lorraine will certainly sting - I feel sick about this, as I’m sure do many of you.

See you at the UOLB.

All aboard

Friend of the Rapidz, Mark Sutcliffe writes “How the Rapidz can replace Ottawa’s missing Lynx” in today’s Ottawa Citizen.  Mark captures the substance of what I’ve believed about baseball in Ottawa, that things could turn around, in one clear sentence:

Because the hope that springs eternal dictates that a different outcome is always possible.

I think he’s right of course.  But then, I’ve always believed that thing could be different - that they should have been different for baseball.  Ultimately, the Rapidz success or failure will rest with the team and the residents of the National Capital Region. 

Changing course for the moment, I received an email today asking that I remind everyone about the baseball episode of the Road Grill - BBQ TV show.  The show will be taped this Saturday, May 10^th, @ Brewer Park Baseball Diamond from 9 to 6.  If you plan to attend, please flip me an email and I’ll let them know so that they can save you a spot.  They hope to have two Rapidz players at the BBQ as well, so here’s your first “meet and greet” opportunity.

A clean slate

Unfortunately, other commitments (read: work) kept me from the Rapidz press conference yesterday - I would have liked to have been there.  The good news is that both dailies and CTV attended and gave good coverage.  Hopefully the solid coverage and reporting will continue through September.  The final tally on the logo change came down on the Rapids/Rapides side of the ledger, but that might have been expected; fans often object to the tweaking of an original design.  In any case, what’s done is done and as some commenters have noted, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that it’s nice to be able to even have a logo to debate (if you follow my meaning).

The other positive news is that the Rapidz owners have recognized the value of the front office staff put in place by Miles Wolff.  You will recall that Miles’ first hire was Lorraine Charrette, someone that was viewed as critical to the success of the fledgling franchise.  Having been with the Lynx for thirteen years, she embodied all the front office knowledge gained by the AAA franchise - the “intellectual property” if you will.  Recognizing her husband Don Charrette’s business sense and work ethic, Miles was quick to snap him up a month later.  Sales and media relations rep. Francois Marchand, groundskeeper Josh Teuscher and Field Manager Ed Nottle followed.

It bears repeating: Mr. Wolff’s credentials speak for themselves when it comes to both baseball and the business of sport.  But you could forgive a new ownership group if they elected to clean house and stamp their own identity on their new team - it’s certainly their prerogative.  So it’s both reassuring and commendable that they have recognized the value of the solid nucleus of people that Miles put together by leaving them in place.

We had hoped Miles would be in Ottawa longer - how could you not?  For all the accolades and achievements, the man is as humble and unpretentious as you will ever meet.  Ask Ed Nottle about Miles’ contribution to baseball when you get the chance this season.  Like Howard Darwin and Ray Pecor, the two owners that preceded him, Miles is a class act and an honorable man.  Still, we recognize that there is intrinsic value in “local ownership” - both for Ottawa and the overall strength of the Can-AM League. 

It’s a relief to be able to put the politics, legal wrangling and uncertainty behind us and to turn our attention where it belongs: May 22, 2008.

“A long road…”

And certainly a day that a number of us gave up on at various points along the way.  Thanks to Bruce for the link to the video from last month’s presentation at City Hall.  While it was a great day, Miles Wolff’s presentation came with this sobering reminder: the lease expires at the end of next season.  Negotiations for a new lease will need to begin soon, probably at the end of the 2008 season.  I’m hopeful that within that brief span of time the Raps will continue to forge ties with the people and business communities of Ottawa and Gatineau, in the process making the decision for Council a no-brainer. 

Raps get their man

I spoke briefly with manager Ed Nottle last week and he expressed some concern about one infield position in particular: “I’m still looking for a catcher.”  According to the Can AM League website, he’s found one - Max Bouchard.  Stats and vitals for Mr. Bouchard are pretty tough to come by, and I’m dealing with limited time this evening.  What I did find was that he was playing for the Mets organization in the Gulf Coast League in 2007.  The 22 year old, 6′2 catcher hails from Louiseville (sic?), Quebec.  More later.

Speaking of Mr. Nottle, Ed was making the rounds this evening, speaking to members of the Orleans Little League out at the Kennedy Arena.  Now that he’s back in town, look for more opportunities to see and hear the Raps skipper shortly.

And finally, several of you have noticed that the UOLB has gone dark.  It’s temporary.  Let’s just say I’ve got some housekeeping issues to deal with over there.  Rest assured, it will be back - I’m hoping to have it firing on all cylinders by the weekend.

(nearly) Wordless Thursday

From Rapids official photog, John Bradley.

THE RAPS WANT YOU!!!!

“Something Ottawa’s never seen before.”

For someone who is by his own admission, not comfortable in front of the media, Rapids GM Don Charrette seems to be finding his rhythm. Here’s the interview he gave to the Carleton School of Journalism a few weeks back.  Don does a very nice job, and gives us a good idea of what’s coming up and what to expect from the Raps in 2008.

Shooting the Rapids? - UPDATED

Just a quick post today on a rumor that won’t go away.  There is growing speculation that uber-photographer, John Bradley will be joining the Raps as their official photographer.  This would be an absolutely stellar addition to the roster.  Mr. Bradley was kind enough to send over a timely photo that was missing from my collection - FLP and current member of the Raps roster, Napoleon Calzado:

Napoleon Calzado, 2006 Ottawa Lynx (Photo courtesy John G. Bradley)

*** UPDATE ***

GM, Don Charrette has confirmed the rumor:  John Bradley will “shoot the Rapids” in 2008!

Vacancy?

I confess that I don’t check the Rapids website as often as I probably should. I did look today, just to see how things have changed and updated and this caught my eye:

The Ottawa Rapids Baseball Club is in need of housing for our players arriving in early May.

The Ottawa Rapids are looking for people in the community who have, or know of anyone in Ottawa who has an apartment to rent or sublet or a room available for the summer. The Rapids players arrive in early May and will be looking for places to live during the season. Finding housing in Ottawa is a difficult task, and for our players who are renting for only four months, it can be even tougher. The Rapids are looking for housing leads that we can pass on to the players as they arrive. If you have any leads or information on housing, please e-mail me at the address below. Thank you for your help, and we look forward to our inaugural season of Rapids baseball in 2008!

François Marchand

Director of Media & Public Relations

Ottawa Rapids Baseball Club

(613) 747-5969 Ext. 242

fmarchand@baseballottawa.com

Couple of things to note here. First up, I believe that some of the younger players (e.g. rookie age) may want to billet with families for the season. I expect that Francois would be able to confirm that if anyone is interested in that option. Second, I note that Mr. Marchand’s job title has changed to Director of Media & Public Relations. Good move on the Rapids part.

Congratulations Francois!

 

 

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                              

                                                                                         (Photo credit: Rebekah Kiiffner)

 

“We’re here to win.”

That according to Mike Kusiewicz, the Raps first signing.  Follow the link to the article in today’s Centretown News Online - it’s a good piece, complete with opinion from Howard Darwin.

The arrival of a new baseball team is bittersweet for Howard Darwin, former co-owner of the Ottawa 67’s, and the man who brought professional baseball to Ottawa in 1993.
Darwin led the effort to bring the Lynx to Ottawa and convinced city council to approve the construction of Ottawa Stadium.  
“I was very, very disappointed when the Lynx left,” Darwin said. “We worked hard to bring the team here and build that stadium.”
Darwin said despite the Lynx’s attendance problems, there is still a market for baseball in Ottawa.He also points to the Rapids later start date as something that will help the team.
“I hope they succeed, and they might, because they’re starting around the end of May,” said Darwin. “At one point they had to shovel the stands before a game.  People won’t watch baseball in the snow.
Darwin also said he will head over to Ottawa Stadium to see a few home games.
While he says the quality of baseball won’t be the same as the Lynx, he’s just glad to see the stadium in use.
He hopes the Rapids do what it takes to ensure Ottawa residents can enjoy professional baseball.
“Whatever the hell they can do to keep baseball here,” said Darwin, “I wish them the best.”

In other news, the Raps signed infielder Jose De Los Santos a couple of days back.  Jose De Los Santos, 23, hails from the Dominican Republic and in his three professional seasons has played every infield position, save pitcher.  It was difficult to pin down his whereabouts in 2007,

Batting Statistics

Year	Team	Lg	Age	Org.	Level		Pos	Ln	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	HBP	IBB	SH	SF	DP	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	GB%
2004	Bristol	App	19	Chw	Rk		3b-2b		53	200	28	63	10	1	0	35	1	2	5	21	3	0	4	3	5	.315	.336	.375	711	–
2005	Kannapolis	SAL	20	Chw	A		3b		103	391	45	115	18	3	0	34	1	2	18	42	4	0	10	3	15	.294	.329	.355	684	–
2006	Winst-Salm	Caro	21	Chw	A+		2b-3b		99	339	34	100	17	0	1	32	9	4	19	43	4	0	6	2	7	.295	.338	.354	692	–
Minor League Totals - 3 Season(s)									255	930	107	278	45	4	1	101	11	8	42	106	11	0	20	8	27	.299	.334	.359	693	–

Spring Training Batting Statistics

Year	Team	Lg	Age	Org.	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	HBP	IBB	SH	SF	DP	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	GB%
2006	Chi Wh-Sox	AL	21		1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	000	–
Major League Totals - 1 Season(s)					1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	000	–

Fielding Statistics

Year	Team	Lg	Age	Org	Level	Pos	G	GS	Inn	PO	A	E	TC	DP	PB	SB	CS	FPCT	RF
2004	Bristol	App	19	Chw	Rk	2B	11			25	23	3	51	9	-	-	-	.941	–
2004	Bristol	App	19	Chw	Rk	3B	18			12	27	5	44	5	-	-	-	.886	–
2004	Bristol	App	19	Chw	Rk	SS	6			9	13	1	23	2	-	-	-	.957	–
2005	Kannapolis	SAL	20	Chw	A	1B	2			19	1	2	22	3	-	-	-	.909	–
2005	Kannapolis	SAL	20	Chw	A	2B	8			10	18	0	28	5	-	-	-	1.000	–
2005	Kannapolis	SAL	20	Chw	A	3B	83			39	127	20	186	7	-	-	-	.892	–
2005	Kannapolis	SAL	20	Chw	A	SS	1			3	5	1	9	1	-	-	-	.889	–
2006	Winst-Salm	Caro	21	Chw	A+	2B	67								-	-	-	—	–
2006	Winst-Salm	Caro	21	Chw	A+	3B	32								-

.

According to Baseball America’s 2007 stats, it looks like Jose played for the Hickory Crawdads of the South Atlantic League.  The Crawdads are the Single A affiliate for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Proper Name: Jose Luis De Los Santos (De Leon) Born: Feb. 17, 1985 in Santo Domingo, D.R.

Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 160 Bats: R Throws: R

Individual Batting Stats
Club (League)	Class	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	SH	SF	IBB	HBP	GIDP	OBP	SLG	OPS
Hickory Crawdads (SAL)	Low A	.224	36	125	10	28	2	0	0	7	4	20	3	5	6	0	0	1	2	.254	.240	.494
MINOR LEAGUE TOTALS		.224	36	125	10	28	2	0	0	7	4	20	3	5	6	0	0	1	2	.254	.240	.494
Stats Legend

Update: I was able to confirm that he was indeed on the Crawdads 2007 roster here.