EXTRA BASES XVIX -- Team Canada's WBC roster and more
Canada's WBC Roster short on pitching, 2009 Canadians in College
By Bob Elliott
Usually when Team Canada heads onto the international stage we ask the question Who Are These Guys anyway.
The stage could be in Taiwan, or at the Athens Olympics of the Bejing Olympics.
Well, this time with all the best talent Canada has ever produced available the question many World Baseball Classic fans attending the Rogers Centre may be asking about the pitchers are:
No, Really, Who Are These Guys?
The 23 Canadian arms on the roster general manager Greg Hamilton (Ottawa, Ont.) named to the 45-man provisional roster have combined to pitch in 985 major-league games-- and that is counting lefty Jeff Francis (North Delta, B.C.) who has worked in 130 but will not pitch in the second WBC.
Chicago Cubs RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) has decided not to pitch. The status of Cubs’ RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) is uncertain.
So, Team Canada heads into the WBC pool with Team USA, Venezuela and Italy, with two teams advancing to the second round, with RHP Scott Richmond (North Vancouver, BC) posibly as Canada’s best starter.
Richmond was Canada’s best heading into the Olympics, he was promoted for three starts and then demoted and watched the excitement from 13 hours away from the Triple-A International League.
The only three arms who have pitched in more than 100 MLB games are RP Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.), RP Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) and Harden.
The 23 have combined to pitch 2,662 games, or 115 per man -- roughly about the same as RP Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.), who was added to the Florida Marlins 40-man roster this winter.
Manager Ernie Whitt may turn to international veterans like Chris Begg (Uxbridge, Ont.) or Mike Johnson (Edmonton, Alta.) if Harden does not show March 1 when Team Canada reports to Dunedin.
But no Demptser, who won’t pitch for at the Rogers Centre against Team USA Saturday March 7.
“After a lot of thought Ryan decided it is not in his best interests for him to play,” Hamilton, director of Baseball Canada national team, when Canada’s 45-man provisional roster for the second World Baseball Classic was announced.
The 17-game winner from Gibsons, B.C. recently signed a four-year $52 million deal with the Cubs.
“We spoke at length and Ryan decided after a lot of soul searching he couldn’t play,” Hamilton said. Francis (North Delta, B.C.) had trouble throwing from 50 feet in his latest work out session on Friday and shut himself down. He won’t be at the seventh annual Baseball Canada banquet Saturday in Toronto as he is attending the Colorado Rockies fantasy camp.
Next would be Harden the former Oakland A’s right-hander shipped to the Cubs during the season.
Harden had injuries in 2008 and was in Chicago on the weekend meeting with Cub doctors and general manager Jim Hendry. So he is not a lock. He did not pitch in 2006 WBC, but after watching Canada beat Team USA 8-6 signed up for the second round. Canada did not advance, losing on a tie breaker.
Had the second WBC taken place last spring Seattle Mariners’ lefty Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.), Washington Nationals Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) and Baltimore Orioles Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC), all would have available. All spent too much time on the disabled list in 2008 and are ineligible due to WBC rules. The same goes for Philadelphia Phillies Scott Mathieson (Langley, BC) and Cubs prospect Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.), both coming off surgery.
While pitching will be a worry, Team Canada will field a major-league lineup as it tries to be one of two teams advancing from a pool which includes Venezuela and Italy.
Canada should beat Italy, so the question of advancing could come down to beating Venezuela, which will have Carlos Zambrano who pitches for the same Cubs, Johann Santana of the Mets, Felix Hernandez of the Mariners. Los Angeles Dodgers Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) will catch, former most valuable player winner Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) of the Minnesota Twins will be at first, Washington’s Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) at second, Kansas City Royals Mark Teahen (whose roots go back to St. Marys, Ont.) at third and Chris Barnwell (Shediac, N.B.) of the Houston Astros will play short.
The outfield will likely have Boston Red Sox stud Jason Bay (Trail, BC) in centre, Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) of the Philadelphia Phillies in right and Cleveland Indians prospect Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, Ont.) in left. Cincinnati Reds Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) will DH.
The Canuck hitters combined to average 221 games in the majors, which is swayed heavily by Stairs’ 1,662 total and 579 games in the minors.
The closest to Mr. Average would be Orr: 320 games in the majors and 596 in the minors.
Someone is to blame for the best not being here. Whether it is Dempster or the Cubs in this case, or the player or the team in other instances. All the best are not on the rosters for other countries.
Team Canada will not face C.C. Sabathia, Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay or Brandon Webb in the opener. Ryan Howard, Mark Teixeira, Matt Holliday, Josh Hamilton, Brad Lidge, Jonathan Papelbon and Scott Downs also declined invites.
Whether it is Dempster or Halladay why not pitch in the WBC? The injury risk isn’t factor in here. The old saying is pitchers are as fragile as two-year-old colt and if they can get injured pitching in the WBC they can get hurt in the spring.
Clubs are not allowed to dissuade players from participating, according to the Players Association. What if there is a nudge-nudge, wink-wink don’t play behind closed doors from the club during contract talks?
What would the Cubs do if Dempster pitched for Canada. Not pitch him during the season?
From what organization did the most Canucks come from? The Cincinnati Reds led the way with four players: RHP James Avery (Moose Jaw, Sask.), RHP Kyle Lotzkar (Tsawwassen, BC), LHP Philippe-Alexandre Valiquette (Montreal, Que) and Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.).
Despite Dempster being a no-show three came from the Cubs organization and three more from the Milwaukee Brewers. Two apiece came from the rosters of the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox, the Detroit Tigers, the Houston Astros, the Minnesota Twins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. And one each from the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, the Florida Marlins, the Kansas City Royals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies, the San Diego Padres, the San Franciso Giants, the Seattle Mariners, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Blue Jays, the Washington Nationals and the Rockies.
And now the Who’s Who in detail of those who could wearing red and white Canada uniforms at the Rogers Centre, with our links to the good folks at baseball-reference.com and the Montreal-based TheBaseballCube.com: PITCHERS
Hometown: Gatineau, Que. Age: 20. Height: 6’ 7”. Weight: 220 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Seattle Mariners. 2008 Team: Single-A Wisconsin (4-4, 3.75). MLB Experience: none. Team Canada Experience: 2005 World Juniors, 2006 World Juniors, 2007 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by Mariners in first round (11th overall) of 2007 amateur entry draft, from Richard Emond's ABC, signed by Wayne Norton. Where has he been: 15 games, 4-4, 3.75, 55 2/3 innings, 19 walks, 50 strikeouts. Minor League Totals (one season): 15 games, 4-4, 2.77, 55 2/3 innings, 19 walks, 50 strikeouts.
Hometown: Moose Jaw, Sask. Age: 24 Height: 6’1” Weight: 216 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Cincinnati Reds 2008 Team: Double-A Chattanooga (7-8, 4.89) MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2002 World Juniors, 2007 Olympic Qualifier, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: Fifth round in 2005 from Niagara University and coached by Mike McRae, by the Cincinnati Reds signed by Jason Baker. Where has he been: 2005 -- Gulf Coast Reds (0-1, 2.12), Single-A Dayton (1-1, 3.94); 2006 -- Single-A Sarasota 8-8, 4.43), Triple-A Louisville (0-0, 9.00); 2007 -- Double-A Chattanooga (11-10, 5.22) Minor League Totals (four seasons): 88 games, 27-28 won-loss record, 4.76 earned run average, 444 1/3 innings pitched, 163 walks, 302 strikeouts.
Hometown: Uxbridge, Ont. Age: 28 Height: 6’4” Weight: 195 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Free agent. 2008 Team: Single-A Salem-Keizer (0-0, 4.50), Single-A San Jose Giants (1-1, 6.43), Quebec-independent (0-2, 11.32). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2003 Olympic qualifier, 2004 Olympics, 2005 Olympic Qualifier, 2005 World Cup, 2006 World Baseball Classic, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: Undrafted, signed by San Francisco Giants scout Dick Tidrow, 2003 after pitching at Niagara University for coach Mike McRae. Where has he been: 2003 -- Single-A San Jose (4-1, 1.15), Double-A Norwich (2- 1, 4.32); 2004 -- Norwich (9-1, 2.30); Triple-A Fresno (2-5, 7.02); 2005 -- Norwich (8-7, 3.07); 2006 -- Double-A Connecticut (13-10, 3.39); 2007 -- Connecticut (2-0, 2.10); Fresno (12-5, 4.36). Minor League Totals (seven seasons): 130 games 60-33, 3.48 ERA; 783 2/3 innings, 147 walks, 466 strikeouts.
Hometown: Ottawa, Ont. Age: 24 Height: 6’3”. Weight: 195 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Houston Astros. 2008 Team: Double-A Akron (2-2, 3.90). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2001 World Juniors; 2008 Olympics. Drafted: 18th round, from the Ottawa White Sox and Canadian National Junior Team, Cleveland Indians, 2001, signed by Les Pajari. Where he's been: 2002 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Indians (1-4, 7.36); 2003 -- Single-A Mahoning Valley (4-2. 679); 2004 -- Single-A Lake City (2-1, 3.80, two saves); 2005 -- Single-A Lake City (4-8, 3.80, two saves); 2006 -- Single-A Kinston (2-5, 5.54, 20 saves); 2007 -- Single-A Kinston (5-0, 1.75, six saves), Double-A Akron (2-2, 3.86, 10 saves). Minor League Totals (eight seasons): 201 games, 20-23 won-loss record, 5.00 ERA, 22 saves, 322 innings, 133 walks, 238 strikeouts).
Hometown: Toronto, Ont. Age: 27. Height: 6’ 1”. Weight: 205 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Minnesota Twins. 2008 Team: Twins (5-4, 3.59). MLB Experience: 249 games. Team Canada Experience: 2006 WBC. Drafted: By the Twins from the University of Houston in the second round in 2002 amateur draft, signed by Marty Esposito. Where has he been: 2002 -- Rookie-Class Elizabethon (2-1, 0.56, two saves), Single-A Quad City (1-1, 1.50, one save); 2003 -- Single-A Fort Myers (2-1, 0.56), Double-A New Britain (1-1, 0.69, nine saves); Triple-A Rochester (3-1, 3.12, 10 saves); 2004 -- Rochester (3-2, 2.47 19 saves). Minor League Totals (three seasons): 114 games, 12-7, 1.93, 41 saves, 163 innings, 53 walks, 207 strikeouts). MLB: 2004 -- Twins (3-0, 2.00); 2005 -- Twins (12-5, 2.71, one save); 2006 -- Twins (4-5, 3.52, one save); 2007 -- Twins (1-2, 5.51). MLB Totals (five seasons): 249 games, 25-16 3.26, two saves 253 1/3 innings, 87 walks, 159 strikeouts).
Hometown: Montreal, Que. Age: 30. Height: 6’ 4” Weight: 200 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Free agent. 2008 Team: Triple-A Tacoma (1-0, 6.75), Triple-A Las Vegas (1-2, 10.07, one save), Double-A Jacksonville (1-0, 1.50), Quebec-independent (3-1, 1.80). MLB Experience: five games. Team Canada Experience: 1996 World Juniors, 1997 World Juniors, 2004 Olympic Games. Drafted: Selected by San Diego Padres in 30th round of 1998 amateur draft from Seminole State College, signed by Van Smith and Joe Bochy. Where has he been: 1999 -- Rookie-Class Idaho Falls (1-0, 1.80), Rookie-Class Arizona League Padres (2-1, 3.26), 2000 -- Arizona League Padres (0=0, 3.00), Single-A Fort Wayne (2-2, 41.80), 2001 -- Single-A Lake Elisnore (7-4, 1.61), 2002 -- Double-A Mobile (4-6, 3.24), Triple-A Portland (0-0, 3.14), 2003 -- Double-A Arkansas (11-6, 4.96), Double-A Chattanooga (0-0, 13.50), 2004 -- Rookie-Class Arizona League Angels (0-0, 0.00), Triple-A Salt Lake City (0-0, 1.08), 2005 -- Salt Lake (5-5, 5.64, one save), 2006 -- Quebec-independent (1-0, 0.00), 2007 -- Double-A Jacksonville (6-3, 3.18), Las Vegas (3-6, 5.56). Minor League Totals (10 seasons): 185 games, 44-38, 4.04, two saves, 714 innings pitched, 263 walks, 655 strikeouts. MLB: 2002 Padres 0-1, 10.50). MLB Totals (one season): five games, 0-1, 10.50, six innings, six walks, four strikeouts.
Hometown: Thorold, Ont. Age: 24 Height: 6’1” Weight: 200 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: L. MLB Organization: Pittsburgh Pirates 2008 Team: Double-A Altoona (4-2, 3.34) MLB Experience: two games. Team Canada Experience: 2001 World Juniors, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: 10th round in 2002 from Team Ontario and coach Jason Chee-Aloy and the Pittsburgh Pirates, signed by Charlie Sullivan. Where has he been: 2003 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Pirates (0-2, 12.92); 2004 -- Gulf Coast (1-0, 3.44); 2005 -- Class-A Williamsport (1-1, 3.18); Class-A Hickory (1-2, 9.78); 2006 -- Hickory (2-1, 1.98); Class-A Lynchburg (0-0, 2.16); Double-A Altoona (1-1, 2.32); 2007 -- Altoona (3-1, 4.22, two saves); Triple-A Indianapolis (1-0, 1.17). Minor League Totals (six season): 150 games, 14-10, 3.83, two saves, 270 1/3 innings, 216 hits, 151 walks, 289 strikeouts.
Hometown: Guelph, Ont. Age: 22. Height: 6’ 3”. Weight: 190. Bats: L. Throws: L. MLB Organization: Atlanta Braves. 2008 Team: Single-A Rome (3-1, 3.08), Single-A Myrtle Beach (12-2, 2.79). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: None. Drafted: Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007 by scout Paul Gibson, after pitching at Binghamton and for Team Ontario under coach Danny Thompson. Minor League Totals (one season): 26 games, 15-3 , 2.89, 152 2/3 innings, 39 walks, 123 innings.
Hometown: Nanaimo, B.C. Age: 25. Height: 6’ 3”. Weight: 210 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: L. MLB Organization: Atlanta Braves. 2008 Team: Single-A Myrtle Beach (3-0, 1.18, 12 saves), Double-A Mississippi (3-1, 4.41, one save). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: none. Drafted: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002, signed by Jim Chapman and Dan Rogers. Where has he been: 2002 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Dodgers (5-1, 2.87), 2003 -- Rookie Class Odgen (1-0, 8.05), 2004 -- Rookie-Class Bluefield (1-1, 4.15, one save), Single-A Aberdeen (1-0, 4.32), 2005 -- Aberdeen (1-3, 5.06, one save), 2006 -- Quebec-Independent (0-0, 1.80, one save), 2007 -- Quebec (2-0, 0.57, five saves), Single-A Rome (0-0, 2.08), Myrtle Beach (1-1, 2.89) Minor League Totals (seven seasons): 160 games, 17-7, 3.37, 21 saves, 219 1/3 innings, 116 walks, 224 strikeouts.
Hometown: Mascouche, Que. Age: 33 Height: 6’ 2”. Weight: 195 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Free agent. 2008 Team: Milwaukee Brewers (4-3, 5.44, 10 saves), Triple-A Nashville (0-0, 10.80) MLB Experience: 402 games. Team Canada Experience: 1993 World Juniors, 1994 World Juniors, 1995 Olympic qualifier. Drafted: Signed as a free agent out of Seminole State College and Team Canada by Dodgers scout Claude Pelletier. Where has he been: 1996 -- Single-A Savannah (7-6, 3.29); 1998 -- Single-A Vero Beach (9-7, 3.73); 1999 -- Double-A San Antonio (12-4, 2.62); 2000 -- Triple-A Albuquerque (5-1, 3.86); 2001 -- Triple-A Las Vegas (3-0, 1.50); 2005 -- Las Vegas (0-0, 0.00); 2006 -- Las Vegas (0-0, 0.00, two saves); 2007 -- Double-A Frsico (0-1, 3.38). Minor League Totals (nine seasons): 97 games, 36-19 3.16, two saves, 513 1/3 innings, 180 walks, 566 strikeouts). MLB: 1999 -- Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1, 2.10); 2000 -- Dodgers (4-6, 5.15); 2001 -- Dodgers (6-7, 3.97); 2002 -- Dodgers (4-1, 1.97 52 saves); 2003 -- Dodgers (2-3, 1.20, 55 saves); 2004 -- Dodgers (7-3, 2.19, 45 saves); 2005 -- Dodgers (1-0, 2.70, eight saves); 2006 -- 0-0, 0.00, one save); 2007 -- Texas Rangers (2-0, 2.16, 16 saves), Boston Red Sox (2-2, 6.75). MLB Totals (10 seasons): 410 games, 33-26, 3.47 ERA, 187 saves, 643 2/3 innings, 226 walks, 718 strikeouts. Steve Green
Hometown: Greenfield Park, Que. Age: 30. Height: 6’2”. Weight: 195 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Free agent. 2008 Team: Triple-A Lehigh Valley (5-1, 3.09). MLB Experience: one game. Team Canada Experience: 1996 World Juniors; 1999 Pan-Am Games; 2005 Olympic Qualifier; 2006 World Baseball Classic; 2008 Olympic Qualifier; 2008 Olympics. Drafted: 10th round, 1997, Fort Scott Community College by Anaheim Angels, signed by Bob Fontaine, Jr. Where has he been: 1998 -- Single-A Cedar Rapids (2-6, 4.54); 1999 -- Single-A Lake Elsinore (7-6, 3.95); Double-A Erie (3-1, 3.32); 2000 -- Erie (7-4, 3.40); Triple-A Edmonton (0-4, 7.29); 2001 -- Triple-A Salt Lake (6-2, 3.66) 2003 -- Rookie-Class Arizona League Angels (1-1, 1.29); Salt Lake (9-5, 4.66); 2004 -- Salt Lake (5-17, 7.66); 2005 -- Double-A Akron (2-2, 3.45, one save); Triple-A Toledo (2-2, 5.29, two saves); 2006 -- Triple-A Toledo (5-5, 3.62, two saves); 2007 -- Norfolk (2-4, 4.82, three saves) Minor League Totals (10 seasons): 295 games, 56-60, 4.69, eight saves, 944 innings, 489 earned runs, 425 walks, 742 strikeouts. MLB: 2001 -- Anaheim Angels (0-0, 3.00); MLB Totals (one season): one game, 0-0, 3.00, six innings, six walks, four strikeouts.
Hometown: North Vancouver, B.C. Height: 6’ 3”. Weight: 190 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: St. Louis Cardinals 2008 Team: Triple-A Memphis (5-7, 6.09); Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Cardinals (0-0, 0.00). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: None. Drafted: Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in 28th round from Bellevue Community College in 2001 amateur draft signed by Dane Walker. Where has he been: 2002 -- Rookie-Class Johnson City (2-4, 3.14), Single-A New Jersey (1-0, 0.00); 2003 -- Single-A Peoria (5-1, 2.31), Single-A Palm Beach (1-3, 3.94), 2004 -- Palm Beach (1-0, 5.91); 2005 -- New Jersey (0-3, 7.98); 2006 -- Single-A Palm Beach (7-2, 2.47); 2007 -- Double-A Memphis ()4-13, 5.28). Minor League Totals (seven seasons): 112 games, 30-35, 4.06, 576 1/3 innings, 187 walks, 479 strikeouts.
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta. Age: 32. Ht: 6’2”. Wt: 175 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Free agent. 2008 Team: La New Bears Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei (1-0, 2.10) MLB Experience: 81 games Team Canada Experience: 2003 Olympic qualifier, 2004 Olympics, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: 17th round, Jays, 1993, signed by Bill Byckowski. Where has he been: 1993 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Blue Jays (0-2, 4.87); 1994 -- Rookie-Class Medicine Hat (1-3, 4.46); 1995 -- Gulf Coast Blue Jays (0-2, 7.20); 1995 -- Medicine Hat (4-1, 3.86); 1996 -- Single-A Hagerstown (11-8, 3.16); 1998 -- Double-A Harrisburg (3-2, 6.95); 1998 -- Triple-A Ottawa (4-9, 4.29); 1999 -- Ottawa (6-12, 5.38); 2000 -- Ottawa (2-0, 2.10); 2001 -- Triple-A Ottawa (2-0, 4.50) Expos; 2001 -- Oklahoma (3-5, 4.58); 2002 -- Las Vegas (2-1, 4.09) Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes (1-0, 6.64); 2003 -- Triple-A Fresno (4-3, 3.72); 2004 -- Triple-A Edmonton (6-6, 5.93), 2006 -- Somerset-independent league (5-4, 4.34); 2007 -- Edmonton-Independent (2-7, 4.90). Minor League Totals (13 seasons): 297 games, 56-65, 4.58, 1089 1/3 innings, 396 walks, 878 strikeouts. MLB: 1997 -- Orioles (0-1, 7.94); 1997 -- Expos (2-5, 5.94); 1998 -- Expos (0-2, 14.73); 1999 -- Expos (0-0,8.64); 2000 -- Expos (5-6, 6.39); 2001 -- Expos (0-0, 4.76). MLB Totals (five seasons): 81 games (7-14, 6.92 ERA, 216 innings, 103 walks, 147 strikeouts.
Hometown: Mississauga, Ont. Age: 24. Height: 6’ 6”. Weight: 210 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Florida Marlins. 2008 Team: Single-A Jupiter (6-7, 3.65, one save). MLB Experience: none. Team Canada Experience: 2001 World Juniors, 2002 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by Florida Marlins from Winthrop University after playing for Team Ontario in seventh round of 2005 amateur entry draft, signed by Joel Matthews. Where has he been: 2006 -- Rookie-Class Florida Gulf Coast (0-0, 4.09); Single-A Jamestown (0-1, 7.94), Single-A Greenville (0-3, 6.10); 2007 -- Greenville (2-3, 4.14). Minor League Totals (three seasons): 114 games, 8-14, 4.30, 178 1/3 innings, 74 walks, 176 strikeouts.
Hometown: Tsawwassen, BC Age: 19. Height: 6’ 4”. Weight: 200 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Cincinnati Reds. 2008 Team: Single-A Dayton (2-3, 3.58). MLB Experience: None Team Canada Experience: 2007 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by Reds in first round of 2007 amateur draft, signed by Bill Byckowski. Where has he been: 2007 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Reds (0-2, 3.86), Rookie-Class Billings (0-0, 1.13). Minor League Totals (two seasons): 19 games, 2-5, 3.40, 66 2/3 innings, 34 walks, 87 strikeouts.
Hometown: Vernon, B.C. Age: 27. Height: 6’ 5”. Weight: 190 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: San Francisco Giants. 2008 Team: Double-A Connecticut (2-2, 1.84); Triple-A Fresno (0-2, 11.12). MLB Experience: Nil. Team Canada Experience: 2008 Olympics. Drafted: fourth round, from University of British Columbia and coach Terry McKaig in 2003, by the San Francisco Giants, signed by Matt Woodword. Where has he been: 2003 -- Class-A Salem-Keizer (7-5, 3.62); 2004 -- Class-A San Jose (6-8, 4.35); 2005 -- San Jose (7-2, 3.24); 2006 -- San Jose (7-7, 3.98); 2007 -- Connecticut (7-6, 3.55). Minor League Totals (six seasons): 178 games, 37-32, 3.97, 598 1/3 innings, 147 walks, 318 strikeouts.
Hometown: St. Eustache, Que. Age: 22. Height: 6’ 1”. Weight: 180 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Milwaukee Brewers. 2008 Team: Single-A Brevard (9-6, 3.51); Double-A Huntsville (2-4, 5.68). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2004 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by Milwaukee Brewers in 16th Round (466th overall) of 2004 amateur entry draft. Where has he been: 2005 -- Rookie-Class Arizona League Brewers (0-1. 5.08); 2006 -- Arizona League Brewers (3-1, 4.64); 2007 -- Single-A West Virginia (7-7, 3.55). Minor-league totals (four seasons): 74 games, 21-19, 4.06, 330 2/3 innings, 95 walks, 198 strikeouts.
Hometown: Victoria, B.C. Age: 27. Height: 6’ 5”. Weight: 225 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Chicago Cubs. 2008 Team: Camden-independent (0-1, 7.97); Joliet-independent (3-0, 2.43) MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: None. Drafted: Selected by the Jays in 18th Round of 2000 amateur draft, signed by Joe Siers. Where has he been: 2001 -- Single-A Auburn (1-4, 3.27); 2002 -- Single-A Auburn (5-5, 3.34); 2003 -- Single-A Charleston (3-1, 1.83), Single-A Dunedin (7-6, 2.45); 2004 -- Dunedin (1-4, 3.95); 2005 -- Double-A New Hampshire (7-7, 4.03); 2007 -- Single-A Brevard (1-2, 7.32, one save); Double-A Huntsville (1-2, 9.39). Minor League Totals (seven seasons): 143 games, 29-32, 3.86, one save, 555 2/3 innings, 315 walks, 545 strikeouts.
Hometown: North Vancouver, B.C. Age: 28 Height: 6’ 5”. Weight: 225 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Toronto Blue Jays 2008 Team: Jays (1-3, 4.00), Double-A New Hampshire (5-8, 4.92); Triple-A Syracuse (1-3, 3.56). MLB Experience: five games. Team Canada Experience: 2008 Olympic qualifier, Drafted: Signed as a free-agent by scout Rob Ducey in 2008. Where has he been: 2005 -- Edmonton-independent (1-4, 6.25); 2006 -- Edmonton-independent (2-7, 3.03); 2007 -- Edmonton-independent (10-9, 4.26). Minor League Totals (four seasons): 106 games, 20-31, 4.40 ERA, 12 saves, 413 2/3 innings, 127 walks, 348 strikeouts.) MLB Totals (five games): 1-3, 4.00 ERA, five games, 27 innings, two walks, 20 strikeouts.
Hometown: Vancouver, B.C. Age: 24. Height: 6’3”. Weight: 200 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: L. MLB Organization: Milwaukee Brewers. 2008 Team: Double-A Reading (1-1, 0.54); Triple-A Lehigh Valley (2-1, 1.98); Philadelphia Phillies (0-0, 7.71) MLB Experience: three games. Team Canada Experience: 2007 World Cup Drafted: 14th round by Boston Red Sox 2004, signed by Rob English. Where has he been: 2004 -- Class-A Lowell (5-1, 1.94); 2005 -- Schaumburg-Independent (6-4, 3.27); 2006 -- Schaumburg (2-2, 3.41) Class-A Charleston (4-2, 0.61); Triple-A Columbus (0-0, 0.00); 2007 -- Newark-Independent (1-0, 1.93); Class-A Lakewood (2-1. 0.93); Class -A Clearwater (0-1, 4.80). Minor League Totals (five seasons): 132 games, 23-12, 2.34 ERA, 346 1/3 innings, 90 earned runs, 301 hits, 62 walks, 348 strikeouts. MLB totals: Three games, 0-0. 7.71, 4 2/3 innings, two walks, four strikeouts.
Phillipe-Alexandre Valiquette Hometown: Montreal, Que. Age: 21. Height: 6’ 0”. Weight: 175 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: L. MLB Organization: Cincinnati Reds. 2008 Team: Single-A Dayton (0-1, 3.12, one save), Single-A Sarasota (2-2, 3.92, two saves). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2003 World Juniors, 2004 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by Cincinnati Reds in seventh round (198th overall) of 2004 amateur draft, after pitching at the ABC, signed by Jason Baker. Where has he been: 2005 -- Rookie-Class Billings (2-1, 6.43), Single-A Dayton (2-5, 6.30); 2006 -- Dayton (2-4, 7.54), 2007 -- Billings 3-1, 1.77, five saves), Dayton (1-2, 6.75). Minor League Totals (four seasons): 103 games, 12-16, 5.03, 238 2/3 innings, 116 walks, 186 strikeouts.
WILL NOT PLAY
Hometown: North Delta, B.C. Age: 28 Height: 6’ 5” Weight: 200 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: L. MLB Organization: Colorado Rockies 2008 Team: Colorado Rockies, 4-10, 5.01. MLB Experience: 130 games. Team Canada Experience: 1999 World Juniors, 2006 WBC. Drafted: By the Rockies from University of British Columbia (coach Terry McKaig) and the North Delta Blue Jays (Ari Mellios) in the first round (ninth over-all) of the 2002 amateur draft, signed by Greg Hopkins. Where has he been: 2002 -- Single-A Tri-City (0-0, 0.00), Single-A Asheville (0-0, 1.80); 2003 -- Single-A Visailia (12-9, 3.47); 2004 -- Double-A Tulsa (13-1, 1.97), Triple-A Colorado Springs (3-2, 2.85); 2005 -- Tulsa (1-0, 0.63). Minor League Totals (four seasons): 62 games, 29-12 2.62 ERA, 361 1/3 innings, 276 hits, 105 earned runs, 84 walks, 408 strikeouts. MLB: 2004 -- 3-2, 5.15; 2005 -- 14-12, 5.68; 2006 -- 13-11, 4.16; 2007 -- 17-9, 4.22. MLB Totals: (five seasons): 130 games, 51-44, 4.74, 778 1/3 innings 98 walks, 264 strikeouts.
Hometown: Victoria, B.C. Age: 27 Height: 6’ 1” Weight: 180 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Chicago Cubs 2008 Team -- Cubs (5-1, 1.77) Oakland A’s (5-1, 4.05); Single-A Stockton (1-0, 0.00) Sacramento (0-0, 2.45). MLB Experience: 109 games. Team Canada Experience: None. Drafted: By the Oakland Athletics from Central Arizona College in the 17th round of the 2000 amateur draft, signed by Chris Pittaro and Ron Hopkins. Where has he been: 2001 -- Single-A Vancouver (2-4, 3.41); 2002 -- Single-A Visailia (4-3, 2.91), Double-A Midland (8-3, 2.96); 2003 -- Midland (2-0, 0.00); Triple-A Sacramento (9-4, 3.13); 2004 -- Sacramento (0-0, 5.40); 2005 -- Sacramento (0-0, 0.00); 2006 -- Sacramento (0-0, 0.00); 2007 -- Sacramento (0-0, 0.00). Minor League Totals (eight seasons): 70 games, 26-14, 2.91 ERA, 349 2/3 innings, 152 walks, 425 strikeouts. MLB: 2003 -- 5-4, 4.46; 2004 -- 11-7 3.99; 2005 -- 10-5, 2.53; 2006 -- 4-0, 4.24; 2007 -- 1-2, 2.45. MLB Totals: (six seasons): 109 games 41-20, 612 2/3 innings 262 walks, 612 strikeouts.
CATCHERS
Hometown: Surrey, B.C. Age: 25. Height: 6’ 3”. Weight: 210 Bats: L. Throws: R. 2008 Team: Triple-A Charlotte (.275, two, 17), Double-A Birmingham (.252, six, 31), MLB Experience: none. Team Canada Experience: 1999 World Juniors, 2000 World Juniors, 2001 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by Atlanta Braves in 16th Round (487th overall) of 2003 amateur entry draft from the University of Kansas, signed by Al Goetz. MLB Organization: Chicago White Sox. Where has he been: 2003 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Braves (.118, zero, zero), 2004 -- Rookie-Class Danville (.316, six, 46), 2005 -- Single-A Rome (.228, seven, 42), 2006 -- Single-A Winston-Salem (.237, two, 14), Double-A Birmingham (.239, one, 12). Minor League Totals (six seasons): 414 games, .257, 36 homers, 201 RBIs.
Hometown: Gatineau, Que. Age: 28. Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 180. Bats: S. Throws: R. MLB Organization: San Diego Padres. 2008 Team: Padres (.149, one, six), Triple-A Portland (.261, four, 19). MLB Experience: 36 games. Team Canada Experience: 1998 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by Detroit Tigers in 10th round (290th overall) of 2002 amateur draft from Northeastern University, signed by Derrick Ross. Where has he been: 2002 -- Single-A Oneonta (.227, zero, 10), 2003 -- Single-A Eugene (.250, zero, seven), Single-A Fort Wayne (.240, zero, four); 2004 -- Fort Wayne (.212, zero, 12), Single-A Lake Elisinore (.262, one, 12); 2005 -- Double-A Mobile (.257, one, 12); 2006 -- Mobile (.000, zero, zero), Triple-A Portland (.266, four, 29); Portland (.220, zero, 17). Minor League Totals (seven seasons): 446 games, 11 homers, 135 RBIs. MLB: 36 games 2008 Padres. MLB Totals (one season): 36 games, .149, one, six.
Hometown: Markham, Ont. Age: 25. Height: 6’ 0”. Weight: 180 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Boston Red Sox. 2008 Team: Triple-A Pawtucket (.243, 22, 65), Red Sox (.200, zero, zero). MLB Experience: three games. Team Canada Experience: None. Drafted: Selected by San Diego Padres in 20th Round (595th overall) of 2002 amateur draft from Connors State College, signed by scout Lane Decker and John Ferracuti, after playing for Dan Bleiwas and the Ontario Blue Jays. Where has he been: 2003 -- Rookie-Class Idaho Falls (.259, seven, 24), 2004 -- Single-A Fort Wayne (.310, seven, 46); 2005 -- Single-A Lake Elisinore (.303, nine, 50), Double-A Mobile (.287, two, 15); 2006 -- Mobile (.277, eight, 33), Triple-A Portland (.210, two, 17); 2007 -- Triple-A Pawtucket (.241, nine, 39). Minor League Totals (six seasons): 544 games, .269 average, 66 homers, 289 RBIs. MLB: three games, 2008 Red Sox (.200, zero, one). MLB Totals (one season): three games, .200, zero, one.
Hometown: Montreal, Que. Age: 26. Height: 5’ 10”. Weight: 210 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Los Angeles Dodgers. 2008 Team: Dodgers (.280 average, 13 homers, 69 RBIs). MLB Experience: 427 games. Team Canada experience: 1999 World Juniors, 2000 World Juniors, 2001 World Juniors, 2003 Olympic qualifier. Drafted: 17th round, Dodgers, Chippola College, signed by Clarence Johns. Where has he been: 2002 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Dodgers (.286, 0, 10), 2003 -- Rookie-Class, Ogden (.271, 6, 36), Single-A South Georgia (.286, 3, 14), 2004 -- Single-A Vero Beach (. 250, 15, 64), 2005 -- Double-A Jacksonville (.311, 9, 61), 2006 -- Triple-A Las Vegas (.297, zero, nine). Minor League Totals (five seasons): 392 games, .292, 33 homers, 194 RBIs. MLB: 2006 -- Dodgers (.282, 10, 65), 2007 -- Dodgers (.293, 19, 87). MLB Totals (three seasons): 427 games, .285 average, 42 homers, 221 RBIs.
Pete Laforest Hometown: Gatineau, Que. Age: 31. Height: 6’ 2”. Weight: 209 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Free agent. 2008 Team: Triple-A Lehigh Valley (.067, zero, zero). MLB Experience: 68 games. Team Canada Experience: World Juniors 1996, 2003 Olympic qualifier, 2004 Olympics, 2006 WBC. Drafted: Signed as a free agent by Alex Agostino, 1995; signed as a free agent by Tampa Bay 1997, Fort Scott Community College, signed by Fernando Arango. Where has he been: 1995 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Expos (.000, 0, 0); 1997 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Devil Rays (.262, 3, 21); 1998 -- Single-A Princeton (.275, 2, 14); 1999 -- Single-A Charleston (.256, 13, 53); 2000 -- Single-A St. Petersburg (.270, 14, 70); 2001 -- Double-A Orlando (.095, 1, 1); 2002 -- Double-A Orlando (.270, 20, 64); 2002 -- Triple-A Durham (.258, 3, 15), Devil Rays, 2003 -- Triple-A Durham Bulls, (.269, 14, 38), Double-A Orlando Rays (.250, 3, 15), 2004 -- Durham (.222, seven, 31), 2005 -- Durham (. 270, 21, 52), 2006 -- Rookie-Class Arizona League Padres (.067, zero, zero), 2007 -- Triple-A Portland (.230, 29, 72). Minor League Totals (13 seasons): 777 games .253 average, 130 homers, 446 RBIs. MLB: 2003 -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays (.167, 0, 6), 2005 -- Tampa Bay (.172, one, four), 2007 -- San Diego Padres (.360, one, three), Philadelphia Phillies (.091, zero, one.) . MLB Totals (three seasons): 68 games, .196 average, two homers, 14 RBIs.
Hometown: Dorchester, Ont. Age: 24. Height: 6’ 0”. Weight: 200. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Chicago Cubs. 2008 Team: Double-A Tennessee (.214, one, 19 RBIs). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2002 World Juniors, 2006 World Baseball Classic; 2007 World Cup; 2008 Olympic Qualifier, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: Selected by Detroit Tigers in third round (90th overall) of 2005 amateur draft, from the University of Illinois, signed by Marty Miller, after leading Mike Lumley and the London Badgers to OBA dominance. Where has he been: 2005 -- Class-A Oneota (.154, zero, one); Class-A West Michigan (.257, zero, 15); 2006 -- Class-A Lakeland (.285, one, 47); Class-A Daytona (.356, two, 12); 2007 -- Double-A Tennessee (.263, one, 27). Minor League Totals (four seasons): 290 games, .264, seven homers, 124 RBIs. Maxim St. Pierre
Hometown: Quebec City, Que. Age: 29. Height: 6’ 0”. Weight: 170 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Detroit Tigers. 2008 Team: Double-A Erie (.250, six, 31), Triple-A Toledo (.213, two, 16). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 1996 World Juniors, 1997 World Juniors, 2006 WBC. Drafted: Selected by Detroit Tigers in 26th Round (775th overall) of 1997 amateur draft, signed by scout Bill Buck. Where has he been: 1997 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Tigers (.244, zero, three), 1998 -- Gulf Coast (.333, two, 15), 1999 -- Single-A Oneonta (.251, one, 22); 2000 -- Single-A West Michigan (.249, two, 28); 2001 -- Single-A Lakeland (.248, four, 43); 2002 -- Lakeland (.256, four, 27), Double-A Erie (.266, three, 28); Triple-A Toledo (.000, zero, one); 2003 -- Erie (.236, 11, 54); 2004 -- Erie (.248, eight, 33); 2005 -- Erie (.278, five, 46); 2006 -- Toledo (.206, three, 31); 2007 -- Double-A Huntsville (.156, zero, three). Minor League Totals (12 seasons): 858 games, 51 homers, 381 RBIs.
INFIELDERS
Hometown: Shelburne, N.S. Age: 29 Height: 5’ 10”. Weight: 180 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Houston Astros. 2008 Team: Triple-A Albuquerque (.278, six, 42). MLB Experience: 13 games. Team Canada Experience: None. Drafted: Selected by Milwaukee Brewers in 25th Round (748th overall) of 2001 amateur draft from Flagler College, signed by Tom McNamara. Where has he been: 2001 -- Rookie-Class Odgen (.307, zero, 37); 2002 -- Single-A Beloit (.227, one, 40); Single-A High Desert (.242, one, 14); 2003 -- Double-A Huntsville (.246, three, 25); 2004 -- Huntsville (.246, six, 51); 2005 -- Huntville (.257, one, four); Triple-A Nashville (.245, three, 20); 2006 -- Nashville (.298, four, 38); 2007 -- Nashville (.268, eight, 39). Minor League Totals (nine seasons): 879 games, .262 average, 33 homers, 310 RBIs. MLB: 2006 Brewers (.067, zero, one) MLB Totals (one season): 13 games, .067, zero, one RBI. Shawn Bowman
Hometown: New Westminster, BC. Age: 23. Height: 6’ 2”. Weight: 190 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: New York Mets. 2008 Team: Double-A Binghamton (.248, two, 10), Single-A Port St. Lucie (.340, two, 11). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2002 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by New York Mets in 12th Round (357th overall) of 2002 amateur draft, signed by Claude Pelletier. Where has he been: 2003 -- Rookie-Class Kinston (.121, zero, three); Single-A Brooklyn (.203, zero, five); 2004 -- Single-A Capital City (.258, one, 19); 2005 -- Single-A Port St. Lucie (.221, one, 17); 2006 -- Port St. Lucie (.252, three, 19); 2007 -- Port St. Lucie (.150, one, two). Minor League Totals (six seasons): 348 games, eight homers, 87 RBIs.
Hometown: Windsor, Ont. Age: 35. Height: 5’ 8” Weight: 175 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Coach, Houston Astros. 2008 Team: Single-A Lexington, hitting coach, Houston Astros. MLB Experience: 28 games. Team Canada Experience: 1991 World Juniors; 1994 World Cup; 1999 Pan-Am Games; 2003 Olympic Qualifier; 2004 Olympic Games; 2005 World Cup Qualifier; 2005 Regional Olympic Qualifier; 2006 World Baseball Classic; 2006 Olympic Qualifier; 2008 Olympic Qualifier, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: 36th round, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Tech, signed by Hal Smith. Where has he been: 1996 -- Single-A Johnson City (.223, 1, 15); 1997 -- Single -A Prince William (.318, 4, 46); 1998 -- Double-A Arkansas (.278, 12, 57); 1999 -- Triple-A Memphis (.260, 14, 62); 2000 -- Triple-A Memphis (.273, 1, 52); 2001 -- Triple-A Memphis (.304, 5, 33); 2002 -- Triple-A Memphis (.242, 2, 20), all with the Cards; 2003 -- Triple-A Richmond Braves (.217, 3, 23), Braves; 2004 -- Double-A New Hampshire (.226, 1, 9); Triple -A Syracuse (.287, two, 15); 2005 -- Edmonton, independent (.286, 5, 42); 2006 -- Edmonton, independent (.323, 1, 34). Minor League Totals: (11 seasons): 990 games .275 average, 215 doubles, 55 triples, 49 homers, 399 RBIs. MLB: 28 games 2001 St. Louis (.200, zero, one.) MLB Totals (one season): 28 games .200, zero, one.
Hometown: Toronto, Ont. Age: 22. Height: 6’ 2”. Weight: 185 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Detroit Tigers. 2008 Team: Single-A Lakeland (.251, 10, 47). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: None. Drafted: Selected by Detroit Tigers in sixth round (211st overall) of 2007 amateur draft, signed by David Chadd. Where has he been: 2007 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Tigers (.182, zero, zero); Single-A Lakeland (.278, zero, five). Minor League Totals (two seasons): 107 games, average, .260 10 homers, 52 RBIs,
Hometown: Langley, B.C. Age: 18. Height: 5’ 11”. Weight: 200 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Milwaukee Brewers. 2008 Team: Langley Blaze, Canadian National Junior Team, has yet to play his first pro game. MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2006 World Junior, 2007 World Juniors, 2008 World Juniors, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: Selected by the Brewers in first round (16th overall) of 2008 amateur draft, scouted by Marty Lehn.
Hometown: New Westminister, BC. Age: 27. Height: 6’ 4”. Weight: 222 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Minnesota Twins. 2008 Team: Twins (.300, 23, 129). MLB Experience: 732 games. Team Canada Experience: 2003 Olympic qualifier, Panama, 2001 World Cup Taiwan, National Junior team 1999, 2006 WBC. Drafted: third round, Minnesota, 1999, North Delta Blue Jays, signed by scout Howie Norsetter. Where has he been: 1999 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Twins (.302, 0, 9); 2000 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Twins (.402, 10, 58); Single-A Elizabethton (.217, 1, 3); 2001 -- Single-A Fort Myers (.294, 4, 40); Single-A Quad City (.356, 12 53); Double-A New Britain (.158, 0, 4); 2002 -- Double-A New Britain (.298, 16, 80.); 2003 -- Triple-A Rochester (.268, 16, 42), Double-A New Britain (.329 6, 13); 2004 -- Rochester (.306, 22, 63). Minor League Totals (six seasons): 491 games, .310 average, 87 homers, 322 RBIs. MLB: 2003 -- Twins (.226, four, 16); 2004 -- Twins (.271, 19, 58); 2005 -- Twins (.239, 22, 79); 2006 -- Twins (.321, 34, 130); 2007 -- Twins (.271, 31, 111). MLB Totals (six seasons): 732 games, .281 average, 133 homers, 523 RBIs. Peter Orr
Hometown: Newmarket, Ont. Age: 29. Height: 6’ 1”. Weight: 185 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Washington Nationals. 2008 Team: Nationals (.253, zero, seven); Triple-A Columbus (.275, two, 33). MLB Experience: 320 games. Team Canada Experience: 2003 Olympic qualifier, 2004 Olympics, 2006 WBC. Drafted: Undrafted free-agent 2000, Braves, Ontario Blue Jays, signed by Jim Kane and Gary Wilson. Where has he been: 2000 -- Single-A Jamestown (.242, 2, 15); 2001 -- Single-A Myrtle Beach (.233, 4, 23); 2002 -- Myrtle Beach (.392, 0, 8); 2002 -- Double-A Greenville (.249, 2, 36); 2003 -- Greenville (.226, 2, 31); 2004 -- Triple- A Richmond (.320, one, 35); 2007 -- Richmond (.240, one, eight). Minor League Totals (seven seasons): 596 games .265 average, 14 homers, 189 RBIs. MLB: 2005 -- Atlanta Braves (.300, one, eight); 2006 -- Braves (.253, one, eight); 2007 -- Braves (.200, zero, two). MLB Totals (four seasons): 320 games, .261 average, two homers, 25 RBIs.
Hometown: St. Marys, Ont. Age: 26. Height: 6’ 3”. Weight: 210 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Kansas City Royals. 2008 Team: Royals (.255, 15 homers, 59 RBIs). MLB Experience: 532 games. Team Canada Experience: none. Drafted: by the Oakland Athletics in the 1st round (39th pick) of the 2002 amateur draft from Saint Mary’s University, signed by Will Schock. Where has he been: 2002 -- Single-A Vancouver (.404, zero, six), Single-A Modesto (.239, one, 26); 2003 -- Modesto (.283, three, 71); 2004 -- Double-A Midland (.335, six, 36), Triple-A Sacramento (.275, zero, 10); Triple-A Omaha (.280, eight, 31); 2005 -- Omaha (.259, zero, four); 2006 -- Omaha (.380, two, 14). Minor League Totals (five seasons): 364 games, 20 homers, 198 RBIs. MLB: 2005 -- Royals (.246, seven, 55); 2006 -- Royals (.290, 18, 69); 2007 -- Royals (.285, seven, 60). MLB Totals (four seasons): 532 games, .268 average, 47 homers, 243 RBIs.
Hometown: Etobicoke, Ont. Age: 25. Height: 6’ 3”. Weight: 220 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Cincinnati Reds. 2008 Team: Reds (.297, 24, 84). MLB Experience: 175 games. Team Canada Experience: None. Drafted: In the 2nd round of the 2002 draft by the Cincinnati Reds by scout John Castleberry from coach Bob Smyth's Etobicoke Rangers. Where has he been: 2002 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Reds (.269, three, nine); 2003 -- Rookie-Class Billings (.317, three, six); Single-A Dayton (.231, one, 20); 2004 -- Dayton (.302, 14, 73); Single-A Potomac (.298, five, 20); 2005 -- Single-A Sarasota (.256, 17, 83); 2006 -- Double-A Chattanooga (.319, 22, 77); 2007 -- Triple-A Louisville (.294, 22, 92). Minor League Totals (six seasons): 708 games, .289 average, 96 homers, 436 RBIs. MLB: 2007 -- Reds (.321, four, 17) MLB Totals (two seasons): 175 games, .300, 28 homers, 101 RBIs.
OUTFIELDERS Jason Bay
Hometown: Trial, B.C. Age: 29. Height: 6’ 2”. Weight: 200 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Boston Red Sox. 2008 Team: Red Sox (.293, nine, 37); Pittsburgh Pirates (.282, 22, 64). MLB Experience: 771 games. Team Canada Experience: 1996 World Juniors, 2001 World Cup, 2006 WBC. Drafted: By the Montreal Expos in the 22nd round of the 2000 amateur draft. Where has he been: 2000 -- Single-A Vermont (.304, two, 12); 2001 -- Single-A Clinton (.362, 13, 62); Single-A Jupiter (.195, one, 10); 2002 -- Port St. Lucie (.272, nine, 54); Double-A Binghamton (.309, four, 19); Double-A Mobile (.309, four, 12); 2003 -- Triple-A Portland (.303, 20, 59); 2004 -- Nashville (.400, one, three). Minor League Totals (five seasons): 381 games, 54 homers, 230 RBIs. MLB: 2003 -- Padres (.250, one, two), Pirates (.291, three, 12); 2004 -- Pirates (.262, 26, 82); 2005 -- Pirates (.306, 32, 101); 2006 -- Pirates (.286, 35, 109); 2007 -- Pirates (.247, 21, 84). MLB Totals (six seasons): 771 games, 149 homers, 491 RBIs.
Hometown: Langley, B.C. Age: 36. Height: 5’ 10”. Weight: 200 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Free agent. 2008 Team: Yakult Swallows (.200, 11, 35). MLB Experience: Five seasons. Team Canada Experience: 1999 Pan-American Games, 2001 World Cup. Drafted: Drafted by the California Angels in the 21st round of the 1992 amateur draft, signed by Don Archer and Jon Neiderer. Where has he been: 1993 -- Single-A Boise (.298, two, 12); 1994 -- Single-A Cedar Rapids (.269, 18, 62); 1995 -- Lake Elisnore (.269, seven, 58); 1996 -- Midland (.269, 10, 48); 1997 -- Midland (.329, 22, 85); Double-A Mobile (.385, one, nine); 1998 -- Triple-A Las Vegas (.311, five, 31); Rookie-Class Arizona Padres (.500, one, six); 1999 -- Las Vegas (.245, 12, 39); 2000 -- Triple-A Omaha (.287, 13, 40); 2001 -- .267, 21, 73); 2002 -- Omaha (.353, nine, 50); 2003 -- Omaha (.279, eight, 30); 2004 -- Double-A Wichita (.250, zero, zero); Omaha (.310, 10, 30); Rookie-Class Arizona League (.471, two, five); 2005 -- Omaha (.276, 30, 95); 2006 -- Omaha (.249, 11, 32); Triple-A Columbus (.260, two, eight), 2007 -- Yakult Swallows (.245, 35 79). Minor League Totals (14 seasons): 1223 games, 184 homers, 733 RBIs. MLB: 2002 -- Royals (.233, four, 38); 2003 -- Royals (.277, 15, 52); 2004 -- Royals (.156, five, 13); 2005 -- Royals (.294, four, seven); 2006 -- Royals (.220, three, seven); Yankees (.256, four, 11). MLB Totals (five seasons): 307 games, 35 homers, 128 RBIs.
Hometown: Frederiction, N.B. Age: 40. Height: 5’ 9”. Weight: 175 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Philadelphia Phillies. 2008 Team: Phillies (.294, two, five); Blue Jays (.250, 11, 44). MLB Experience: 1,662 games. Team Canada Experience: 1986 World Juniors, 1987 Intercontinental Cup, 1988 World Cup, 1988 Olympic Games, 2006 WBC. Drafted: Signed by the Montreal Expos as an amateur free agent by Bill McKenzie in 1989. Where has he been: 1989 -- Single-A Jamestown (.256, one, five), Single-A Rockford (.284, two, 14); Single-A West Palm Beach (.189, one, nine); 1990 -- West Palm (.339, three, 30); Double-A Jacksonville (.254, three, 34); 1991 -- Double-A Harrisburg (.372, 13, 78); 1992 -- Triple-A Indianapolis (.372, 13, 78); 1993 -- Ottawa (.280, three, 20); Chunichi Dragons (.250, seven, 23); 1994 -- Double-A New Britain (.309, nine, 61); 1995 -- Triple-A Pawtucket (.284, 13, 56); 1996 -- Triple-A Edmonton (.344, eight, 41); 2003 -- Triple-A Nashville (.167, two, three). Minor League Totals (nine seasons): 787 games, 75 homers, 430 RBIs. MLB: 1992 -- Expos (.167, zero, five); 1993 -- Expos (.375, zero, two); 1995 -- Red Sox (.261, one, 17); 1996 -- A’s (.277, 10, 23); 1997 -- A’s (.298, 27, 73); 1998 -- A’s (.294, 26, 106); 1999 -- A’s (.258, 38, 102); 2000 -- A’s (.227, 17, 61); 2001 -- Cubs (.250, 17, 61); 2002 -- Brewers (.244, 16, 41); 2002 -- Brewers (.244, 16, 41); 2003 -- Pirates (.292, 20, 57); 2004 -- Royals (.267, 18, 66); 2005 -- Royals (.261, eight, 32), Rangers (.210, three 11); Tigers (.244, two, eight); 2007 -- Blue Jays (.289, 21, 64). MLB Totals (16 seasons): 1,662 games, 254 homers, 864 RBIs.
Hometown: London, Ont. Age: 28. Height: 5’11”. Weight: 185 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Free agent. 2008 Team: Triple-A Norfolk (.221, one, eight). MLB Experience: 48 games. Team Canada Experience: 2003 Olympic Qualifier, 2004 Olympics, 2005 Olympic Qualifier, 2005 World Cup, 2006 WBC, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: 3rd round, Braves, University of Nebraska, signed by Tyrone Brooks, after playing for Gary Wilson's Ontario Blue Jays. Where has he been: 2001 -- Class-A Jamestown (.307, 0, 11); 2002 -- Class-A Myrtle Beach (.253, 3, 47); 2003 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Braves (.345, one, six); Myrtle Beach (.184, zero, six); 2004 -- Double-A Greenville (.322, eight, 47); 2005 -- Triple-A Pawtucket (.321, two, 14); 2006 -- Pawtucket (.255, eight, 34); 2007 -- Norfolk (.270, one, 23). Minor League Totals (eight seasons): 506 games .271 average, 100 doubles, 28 triples, 24 homers, 196 RBIs. MLB: 2005 -- Red Sox (.133, one, two); 2006 -- Red Sox (.150, zero, four); 2007 -- Orioles (.000, zero, zero). MLB Totals (three seasons): 48 games, .143, one double, one homer, six RBIs.
Hometown: London, Ont. Age: 22. Height: 6’ 1”. Weight: 220 lbs. Bats: R. Throws: R. MLB Organization: Pittsburgh Pirates. 2008 Team: Double-A Altoona (.208, seven, 23); Single-A Lynchburg (.279, 18, 57). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2002 World Juniors. Drafted: Selected by Atlanta Braves in fourth round (127th overall) of 2003 amateur entry draft, signed by Lonnie Goldberg, after playing for Mike Lumley's London Badgers. Where has he been: 2003 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Braves (.176, zero, four); 2004 -- Single-A Danville (.190, five, 22); 2005 -- Danville (.274, seven, 27); 2006 -- Single-A Rome (.248, 16, 68); 2007 -- Single-A Hickory (.275, five, 15); Lynchburg (.252, 15, 45). Minor League Totals (six seasons): 423 games, 73 homers, 261 RBIs.
Hometown: Stevensville, Ont. Age: 21. Height: 6’ 3”. Weight: 253 lbs. Bats: L. Throws: L. MLB Organization: Cleveland Indians. 2008 Team: Single-A Kinston (.272, 10, 41). MLB Experience: None. Team Canada Experience: 2004 World Juniors, 2005 World Juniors; 2007 World Cup; 2008 Olympic Qualifier, 2008 Olympics. Drafted: Third round, Team Ontario, 2005 drafted by the Cleveland Indians, signed by scout Les Pajari after playing for Marc Picard's Team Ontario. Where has he been: 2005 -- Class-A Burlington (.231, two, 13); 2006 -- Rookie- Class Gulf Coast Indians (.000, zero, zero); 2007 -- Class-A Lake City (.276, 23, 82); Class-A Kinston (.143, one, one). Minor League Totals (four seasons): 275 games, .266, 36 homers, 137 RBIs.
The World Baseball Classic dates at the Rogers Centre Game 1, Saturday, March 7 -- Team Canada vs. Team USA, 2 p.m. Game 2, Saturday, March 7 -- Italy vs. Venezuela, 8 p.m. Game 3, Sunday, March 8 -- Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 8 p.m. Game 4, Monday, March 9 -- Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 6:30 p.m. Game 5, Tuesday, March 10 -- Loser Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 5 p.m. Game 6, Wednesday, March 11 -- Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5 6:30 p.m. (Losers of Game 4 and Game 5 are eliminated.) (Game 6 will decide first and second-place placings for the second round.) Seventh Baseball Canada banquet: It's a year late, but Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) will receive the top honour at the seventh annual Baseball Canada Fund Raiser Saturday night at the Renaissance Toronto. Walker was the first player so honored to the Baseball Canada Wall of Excellence but was unable to attend in 2008. The other award winners are: Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC) the Junior National Team MVP. Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, Ont.) Olympic Team MVP. Scott Richmond (North Vancouver, BC), Stubby Clapp award. Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) the Baseball Canada Alumni award. Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) the Baseball Canada Alumni award. Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) special recognition award. Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) special achievement award. Canadian players in attendance include: Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.), Los Angeles Dodgers, Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) Washington Nationals, Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), former WBC and Blue Jays, Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) Washington Nationals, Adam Stern (St. Thomas, Ont.) WBC & Olympic Team, Rob Ducey (Cambridge, Ont.) Olympic, Team, Jays, Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) WBC & Olympic Team, Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) Seattle Mariners, Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) Blue Jays, Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) Seattle Mariners and manager Ernie Whitt, WBC & Olympic Team Jays Hall of Fame calibre announcer Jerry Howarth will MC the evening. CEO on an interim basis Paul Beeston and GM J.P. Ricciardi of the Jays will also be in attendance. Strutting his showcase stuff: INF Phillip Steer (Scarborough, Ont.) of the Ontario Prospects impressed at the Perfect Game World Uncommitted Showcase featured 60 high school seniors in Fort Myers, Fla. Steer, who plays for Rick and Rob Butler's team was ranked the fourth best prospect in attendance by Perfect Game. Steer showed a quick bat and ran a solid 6.8 60 yard and according to Perfect Game projects as a plus defensive second baseman at the high-D1 level with the possibility of playing shortstop despite a long release on his throws. Steer could turn into a No. 1 or No. 2 hitter in the lineup. IN YER FACE: The Canadian Baseball Network facebook group is up and running ... and running fast: Mike Nitsos (Toronto, Ont.), of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, is the 400th to join. Grant Kveder (Lethbridge, Alta.) of the Gonzaga Stags is No. 500. Dan Chappel (Edmonton, Alta.) is No. 600. Drew Parker (Surrey, BC) of West Florida, is No. 700. Shirts with baseball style: Take a look here for t-shirt with a baseball sense of humor. EXTRA, EXTRA: Since you asked ... we have a recap of the previous columns: Brett Lawrie, first rounder, of the Brewers. EXTRA BASES 1 -- First week of the nationals. EXTRA BASES II -- Second week of the nationals. EXTRA BASES III -- Results from the third week of the nationals. EXTRA BASES IV -- The best 15-16-year-olds from Canada gather at the Rogers Centre for the annual Mizunio Camp. EXTRA BASES V -- Checking in on the National Junior Team in Florida. EXTRA BASES VI -- Dropping in on the Cincinnati Reds instructional camp in Sarasota, more Canucks on the roster than anyone else. EXTRA BASES VII -- Letters of Intent list of Canadians committed to college. EXTRA BASES VIII -- WBC SS job goes to Chris Barnwell, Jay Johnson pops at the PBA. EXTRA BASES VIX -- Baseball Ontario and Baseball Canada's best hear from former Expos ace Steve Rogers. EXTRA BASES X -- Past All-Canadian team members to go on to the pro ranks EXTRA BASES XI -- Alexandre Periard (Brewers) Chris Leroux (Marlins) promoted to 40-man rosters. EXTRA BASES XII -- R.I.P. Tommy Burgess, former MLB player, National Team coach EXTRA BASES XIII -- R.I.P. Jim Ridley, former minor-league pro, Intercounty MVP, scout and national team coach. Our all-time hit leader. EXTRA BASES XIV -- 2008 All-Canadian College Team with links to 2000-07 teams. EXTRA BASES XV -- Dany Wood is Canuck born, Lutton Birnie -- Fab 50s, Baseball Canada banquet, BA top prospects EXTRA BASES XVI --Morneau, Whitt to Lead Team Canada in WBC, Tip O'Neill award to Morneau, All-American honours to Davis Regan EXTRA BASES XVII -- Miller, Van Pelt turn in skates for scholarships EXTRA BASES XVIII -- The top 100 Most Influential Canadians in baseball Tell us what you think of the WBC roster?:
It seems pretty balanced up and down the lineup for speed/power. The pitching looks good but where’s Dempster? I think we can beat anyone in our pool.
Jon Capricci Vancouver, BC
I like the roster but its missing me!!
Chad McKellar London, Ont.