Who are these guys, who qualified Canada for the WBC?
* 1B Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC) carries 3B Shawn Bowman (Port Moody, BC) on his back as Team Canada celebrates ... but if was slugger VanOstrand, who carried Canada on his back, in Germny. Photos: Adam Morissette .... 2012 Canadians in the Minors 2012 Canadians Drafted 2012 Canadians in College Letters of Intent
By Bob Elliott
Who are these guys? We have the answer ...
These Canadian minor leaguers who assured Canada a berth in the World Baseball Classic qualifier? They entered the qualifier as favourites, which besides being a first, isn’t always easy to live up to expectations.
Winning 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh, Canada scored eight times for an 11-1 win over Great Britain in the opener in front of 3,704 fans at Armin-Wolf Baseball Arena in Regensburg, Germany.
Tied 4-4 in the seventh, Canada scored 13 runs in their final three at-bats for a 16-7 win over host Germany before 4,085 fans.
The win put undefeated Canada (2-0) into the final against Germany (2-1) ... just as Israel had taken a 2-0 mark against Spain (2-1) and lost in extras.
Canada didn’t need extras, scoring seven times in the first two innings on the way to an 11-1 win over Germany.
Humm baby!
Canada was back in the third World Baseball Classic next spring.
What’s the make up of average Canadian minor leaguer on the team?
Of the 12 pitchers the average guy was drafted in the 17th round (like Spruce Grove’s Mike Johnson), pitched seven seasons (as Philippe Valiquette has) and worked in 178 games in the minors (as Tom Boleska did).
Of the 14 position players — 13 were drafted, second baseman Skyler Stromsmoe of Bow Island, Alta. signed as a free agent — the average guy was selected in the 19th (like Sean Jamieson, selected in the 17th round), played an average of 498 games (like Tim Smith who has played in 456 games and written five blogs) in six seasons (as Tyson Gillies, Rene Tosoni, Stromsmoe and Smith have
We have the thumb nails on each and we asked each to answer in their own words about their highlights, memories, life on the podium, their favorite player, who was happiest at home when they won so far away and what this month means for baseball in Canada.
Hometown: North Battleford, Sask.
Age: 26
Height 6’ 1. Weight 195
Bats R Throws: L
MLB organization: Minnesota Twins
2011 Teams: Double-A New Britain (4-3, 3.75), rookie-class Florida Gulf Coast League (1-0, 1.93).
MLB Experience: None
Team Canada Experience: Team Canada Experience: 2002 Canadian National Junior Team, 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
School: University of Kentucky
Drafted: 2004-Milwaukee, 12th, 2008-San Diego Padres, 10th round, signed by the Twins as a free agent by Tim O’Neill and Earl Win.
Where he’s been: 2008 — Rookie-Class Arizona League Padres (1-0, 0.00); 2010- Quebec City, Can-Am IND (3-0, 1.40 17 saves); Double-A New Britain Rock Cats (4-1, 2.91), single-A Fort Myers (4-1, 1.55 four saves); 2011 -- Class-A Fort Myers (4-1, 1.55); Double-A New Britain (4-1, 2.91).
Minor league totals (four seasons): 17-5, 2.53, 21 saves, 101 games, 251 hits, 74 earned runs, 48 walks, 222 strikeouts in 163 1/3 innings.
In his own words ...
1. "Getting the opportunity to start the final game against Germany in Germany."
2. "Chris Robinson hitting a two run homer in the bottom of the first against Germany to set the tone in the final."
3. "Jimmy VanOstrand having the most unbelievable three games I’ve ever seen in a tournament like this."
Three things I’ll never forget:
1. “Being on the mound to start the final in a hostile environment with the crowd waiting for anything to cheer for and us getting off to a great start and silencing the crowd.”
2. “Downtown Regensbourg and how different the lifestyle was.”
3. “The “line change” used by the team to take the field in games 1 and 3.”
The person who was happiest for me at home was: “My family. It was nice to know that they were able to follow the games and being able to watch us play in the final game.”
My favorite Canadian baseball player growing up: “Larry Walker. The things he did for baseball is Canada were amazing he had a tremendous career and helped opened up a lot of opportunities for other Canadians to succeed in baseball. Getting to play on a team with him as a coach was a tremendous honor.”
The most influential person in my baseball career other than my parents: “Gary Henderson, my pitching coach in college. It was great getting to work with him for four years while I went to school at the University of Kentucky. He was a tremendous coach and a great person who had an ability to relate situations in baseball to life and really had an impact on my career. Without his tutelage there is no way I would have ever gotten to where I am today. He helped me improve so much in college and taught me more than I can recount.”
Was it awkward playing for the WBC qualifier knowing you might now get to play for the WBC team? “I didn’t really think about it. We had other things to think about in Germany. We had an objective, and that was to qualify for the WBC. We were able to do that. For me, it was an honour to get the opportunity to play for team Canada. If I get to play in the WBC that would be special, but if not, there is still satisfaction in knowing that we helped get the team there. Anytime you get the opportunity to play for your country, it is special no matter the tournament.”
How good is baseball in Canada right now? “Baseball in Canada is continuing to grow and continuing to improve. The steps made in the last few years have been great for the program. It has shown how far baseball has come in Canada. I think it has continued to open the door for young players in this country to really succeed and to be able to pursue careers in the sport. People now realize that there are a lot of good players that come from Canada and are scouting the country more in depth and taking more chances on players across the country. The upcoming WBC will also be a huge test for Canada to continue to prove that it is one of the best baseball countries in the world. It will be fun to watch and see how baseball in Canada will continue to grow in the future."
Hometown: Surrey, BC
Age: 28
Height 6’ 3” Weight 210
Bats: L Throws: R
MLB Organization: Miami Marlins
2012 Team: Triple-A New Orleans (.209 average, two homers, 8 RBIs).
MLB Experience: None
Team Canada Experience: 1999, 2000, 2001 Canadian National Junior Team, 2009 World Cup, 2010 Pan Am/World Cup Qualifier, 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
School and Team: Chipola College, University of Kansas, Fraser Valley Chiefs and Canadian National Junior Team.
Drafted: 32nd round in 2001 by the New York Mets, 16th Round in 2003, Atlanta Braves, signed buy scout Al Goetz.
Where has he been: 2003 — Rookie-class Gulf Coast Braves (.118, 0, 0); 2004 — Single-A Danville (.316, 6, 46); 2005 — Single-A Rome (.228, 7, 32); 2006 — Class-A Winston-Salem (.237, 2 14); Double-A Birmingham (.120, 0, 0); 2007 — Winston-Salem (.288, 12, 39), Birmingham (.239, 1, 12); 2008 — Birmingham (.252, 6, 31); Triple-A Charlotte (.275, 2, 17); 2009 — Triple-A Charlotte (.252, 10, 52 RBIs), 2010 — Double-A Birmingham (.276, eight, 43), 2011 - Triple-A Salt Lake (.284 average, nine homers, 30 RBIs).
Minor League Totals (nine seasons): 648 games 135 doubles, 1 triple, 63 homers, 306 RBIs, .261 average.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Moose Jaw, Sask.
Age: 28
Ht: 6’ 1” Weight 210
Bats R, Throws R
MLB Orginzation: Detroit Tigers
2012 Team -- (10-13, 4.73) Double-A, Erie Seawolves.
Team Canada Experience: 2002 Junior National Team, 2008 Olympics.
Teams: Regina, Niagara University.
Drafted: 5th round of the 2005 draft from Niagara University by the Cincinnati Reds.
Where has he been: 2005 _ Rookie-class Gulf Coast Reds (0-1, 2.12), class-A Dayton (1-1, 3.94); 2006 _ class-A Sarasota (8-8, 4.43), triple-A Louisville (0-0, 9.00); 2007 _ double-A Chattanooga (11-10, 5.22); 2008 -- Chattanooga (7-8, 4.89); 2009 -- double-A Carolina (2-3, 2.89); 2010 _ class-A Lynchburg (6-3, 3.31), Carolina (2-3, 5.62), Louisville (0-0, 4.50); 2011 _ Carolina (6-12, 4.70).
Minor League Totals (eight seasons): 53-62, 4.56 in 173 games, 325 walks, 591 strikeouts in 909 1/3 innings.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Burlington, Ont.
Age: 26
Ht: 6’ 0” Wt: 210
Bats R, Throws R
MLB Orginzation: None
2012 Team -- (2-1, 1.76, 29 saves) Fargo-Moorhead independent American Association.
Team Canada Experience: 2004 Junior National Team, 2010 Pan Am Qualifier.
Teams: Team Ontario, High Point University
Drafted: 35th round in 2007 from High Point by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Where has he been: 2007 _ Rookie-class Gulf Coast Pirates (0-0 0.00, one save), class-A State College (0-0, 1.35, one save); 2008 _ class-A Hickory (3-3, 2.36, five saves), class-A Lynchburg (1-0, 0.00); 2009 _ Gulf Coast Pirates (0-0, 1.50), class-A Lynchburg (1-1, 1.60), 2010 _ class-A Bradenton (2-3, 3.67, two saves), double-A Altoona (1-1, 2.73, three saves); 2011 _ Edmonton, Indy-NABL (3-3, 2.11, 11 saves), Altoona (1-1, 5.40).
Minor League Totals (six seasons): 14-13, 2.47, 52 saves in 182 games, 70 walks, 268 strikeouts in 284 innings.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Port Moody, BC
Age 26
Height 6’ 3” Weight 220
Bats R Throws R
MLB Organization: Miami Marlins.
2012 Team - (.333, 2, 8) Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs; (.227, 8, 45) Double-A, Jacksonvlle Suns.
MLB Experience: None.
Team Canada Experience: 2001-02 Canadian National Junior Team; ‘09 WBC, 2010 Pan Am/World Cup Qualifier, 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
Teams: Coquitlam Reds and Canadian National Junior Team.
Drafted: 12th round, 2002 draft, selected by New York Mets, signed by Claude Pelletier.
Where has he been: 2003 — Class-A Kingsport (.121, 0, 3); Single-A Brooklyn (.203, 0, 5); 2004 — SIngle-A Capital City (.258, 19, 69); 2005 — Port St. Lucie (.221, 17, 53); 2006 — Port St. Lucie .252, 3, 19); 2007 — Port St. Lucie (.182, 1, 2); 2008 — Port St. Lucie (.340, 2, 11), Double-A Binghamton (.248, 2, 10), 2009 — Double-A Binghamton (.294, 9, 44); 2010 — Double-A New Hampshire (.263, 22, 69); Class-A Dunedin (.462, zero, one); 2011 - Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Braves (.200, zero, two); Double-A Mississippi (.150, zero, two); triple-A Gwinnett (.278, eight, 17).
Minor League Totals (nine seasons): 614 games, 116 doubles, 10 triples, 82 homers, 304 RBIs, .256 average.
In his own words ...
My top three highlights from the tournaments were:
1. “Crushing German beer then crushing the opponent.”
2. “Watching V.O. Be the best hitter in the world over the span of three games.”
3. “Bus rides with Bryan.”
B) Three things I’ll never forget ...
1. “Rene Tosoni -- morph suit.”
2. “The sauna experience(s).”
3. “Losing my voice yelling at Tyson Gillies to come in for a fly ball.”
C) The person at home who was happiest for me was probably ... “me was fiancé Courtney.”
D) My favorite Canadian player growing up was ... “some bald guy named Larry Walker.”
E) Was it awkward to play in the WBC qualifier, but then have your status uncertain for the WBC? ... “It was not awkward to play in the qualifier and not know if I’m going to play in the actual WBC because it’s always an honor and a privilege to represent your country in any way, besides, these trips are way too much fun.”
F) So a bronze in the World Cup last fall, a gold in the Pan-Am Games final, a silver in the World Junior qualifier; a silver medal in the World Juniors in Korea and now you guys qualify for next March’s WBC. How good is baseball in Canada right now? “Baseball in canada is really good right now. There are many people that deserve credit especially Greg Hamilton, It’s universally known this program wouldn’t be where it is today without him. It used to be Canada was just another baseball country now everyone knows we are top country and it’s tough to find someone else that plays with more pride than we do.”
Hometown: Langley BC
Ht 6’ 2” WT 195
Bats L, Throws R.
MLB Organization: Texas Rangers.
2012 Team -- (.234, 12, 41) Single-A, Hickory Crawdads.
Team Canada experience: 2009-10 Junior National Team.
Teams: Langley Blaze, Canadian Junior National Team.
Drafted: by the Texas Rangers in the 1st round (22nd over-all) of the 2010 draft.
Where has he been: 2010 _ Rookie-class Arizona League (.286, zero, five); class-A Spokane (.159, 1, 4); 2011 _ Hickory (.227, 6, 39).
Minor League Totals (three seasons): .225, 42 doubles, four triples, 19 homers, 89 RBIs in 213 games.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Bats: L, Throws R
HT: 6’ 2” Weight: 205 lbs.
MLB organization: Philadelphia Phillies.
2012 Team -- (.304. 4, 24) Double-A, Reading Phillies; (.214, 0, 0) Single-A Clearwater Threshers; (.400, 0, 0) Single-A Lakewood BlueClaws.
Team Canada experience: 2006 Junior National Team.
Teams: Langley Blaze, Canadian Junior National Team.
Drafted: by the Seattle Mariners in the 25th round of the 2006 draft.
Where has he been: 2007 _ Rookie-class Arizona League Mariners (.221, 0, 6); class-A Everett (.625, 0, 2); 2008 _ Everett (.313, 2, 22), class-A High Desert (.233, 0, 1); 2009 _ High Desert (.341, 9, 42); 2010 -- Rookie-class Phillies (.500, 0, 1); double-A Reading (.238, 2, 6); 2011 -- class-A Clearwater (.176, 0, 0).
Minor League Totals (six seasons): .307, 44 doubles, 31 triples, 17 homers, 104 RBIs in 341 games.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Campbell River, BC
Age: 24
Height 6’ 4” Weight 195
Bats L Throws: R
MLB organization: San Diego Padres.
2011 Teams: (1-1, 2.65) Triple-A Tucson Padres; (2-5, 5.85) Single-A, Lake Elsinore Storm; (0-0, 3.00) Single-A Eugene Emeralds; (0-0, 0.00) Rookie Class Arizona Padres; (1-1, 4.50) Double-A San Antonio Mission.
MLB Experience: None.
Team Canada Experience: 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
School: University of British Columbia, coached by Terry McKaig.
Drafted: 43rd round, 2010, from the University of British Columbia.
Where he’s been: 2010 — Rookie-class Arizona League Padres (3-2, 3.06), class-A Eugene (2-1, 3.00), class-A Lake Elisnore (0-1, 5.79), double-A San Antonio (0-1, 5.23); 2011 _ Class-A Fort Wayne Tincups (11-10, 2.78).
Minor league totals (three seasons): 19-21, 3.48 in 63 games, 69 walks, 236 strikeouts in 274 1/3 innings.
Shawn Hill — RHP
Hometown Georgetown, Ont.
Age: 31
Height 6’ 2” Weight 215
Bats R Throws: R
MLB organization: Toronto Blue Jays.
2012 Teams: (9-2, 4.52) Triple-A Las Vegas 51s; (2-0, 2.43) IND-York Revolution.
MLB Experience: Seven seasons with the Montreal Expos, Washington Senators, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays.
Team Canada Experience: 2003 Olympic Qualifier, 2004 Athens Olympics, 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
Team: Etobicoke Rangers.
Drafted: 6th round by Montreal Expos, 2000, signed by Alex Agostino.
Where he’s been: 2000 — Rookie-class Gulf Coast Expos (1-3, 4.81); 2001 — class-A Vermont (2-2, 2.27); 2002 — class-A Clinton (12-7, 3.44); 2003 — class-A Brevard County (9-4, 2.56), double-A Harrisburg (3-1, 3.54); 2004 — Harrisburg (5-7, 3.39); 2006 — Harrisburg (3-3, 2.68), triple-A New Orleans (0-0, 3.6); 2007 — Class-A Potomac (0-0, 1.29), triple-A Columbus (0-1, 1.80); 2008 — Potomac (1-0, 0.00), 2010 — Rookie-class Gulf Coast Blue Jays (3-0, 0.41), class-A Dunedin (0-0, 3.00); double-A New Hampshire (1-0, 0.00), triple-A Las Vegas (2-2, 3.00).
Minor league totals: 42-31, 2.95 in 131 games, allowing 543 hits, 189 earned runs, 127 walks and 356 strikeouts in 575 2/3 innings).
Major league totals (nine seasons): 10-18 4.59 ERA in 45 games, 74 walks, 151 strikeouts in 239 innings.
Hometown: Simcoe, Ont.
Age: 23
Bats: R. Throws R.
Ht: 6’ 0” Wt: 193
MLB Organization: Oakland A’s.
2012 Team: (.327, 1, 4) Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks; (.234, 10, 49) Single-A Burlington Bees.
Team Canada Experience: None.
Drafted: by the Oakland Athletics in the 17th round of the 2011 MLB draft from Canisius College, signed by A’s scout Matt Higginson.
Where he’s been: 2011 _ Class-A Vermont (.235, 3, 21).
Minor league totals (two seasons): .241, 39 doubles, six triples, 14 homers, 77 RBIs in 202 games.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.
Age: 36.
Height 6’ 2” Weight 200 lbs.
Bats L Throws: R
MLB organization: None.
2012 Team: Did not pitch.
MLB Experience: Five seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and the Montreal Expos.
Team Canada Experience: 2003 Olympic qualifier, 2004 Olympics, 2006 Olympic qualifier, 2007 World Cup, 2009 World Baseball Classic, 2010 Pan Am/World Cup Qualifier, 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
Team: Spruce Grove, Alta.
Drafted: 17th round by the Blue Jays, signed by Bill Byckowski.
Where he’s been: 1993 — Rookie-class Gulf Coast Blue Jays (0-2, 4.87), 1994 — Rookie-class Medicine Hat (1-3, 4.46), 1995 — Medicine Hat (4-1, 3.86), Gulf Coast Jays (0-2, 7.20), 1996 — class-A Hagerstown (11-8, 3.15), 1998 — double-A Harrisburg (3-2, 6.95), triple-A Ottawa (4-9, 4.29); 1999 — Ottawa (6-12, 5.38); 2000 — Ottawa (2-0, 2.10); 2001 — Triple-A Oklahoma (3-5, 4.58), Ottawa (2-0, 4.50); 2002 — triple-A Las Vegas (2-1, 4.09); 2003 — Triple-A Fresno (4-3, 3.72); 2004 — Triple-A Edmonton (6-6, 5.93); 2006 — Somerset, Atlantic, IND (5-4, 4.34); 2007 — Edmonton, IND (2-7, 4.90); 2009 — SK Wyverns, Korea (0-0, 13.50), Edmonton IND (2-4, 8.34); 2010 — Yuma, IND (0-0, 4.70), Edmonton (2-1, 0.45).
Minor league totals (14 seasons): 59-70 with a 4.63 ERA in 314 games, walking 411 and striking out 932 in 1,142 innings.
Major league totals: 7-14, 6.85 in 81 games, 254 hits, 166 earned runs, 103 walks, 147 strikeouts in 218 innings.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Fruitvale, BC
Age: 27
Ht: 6’ 4” Wt: 195 lbs.
Bats R Throws R
MLB Organization: Philadelphia Phillies.
2012 Teams: -- (2-0, 9.94) Single-A Clearwater Threshers; (1-1, 7.56) Double-A, Reading Phillies.
MLB Experience: None
Team Canada Experience: 2009 World Cup, 2010 Pan Am/World Cup Qualifier, 2011 World Cup, 2011 Pan Am Games.
School and Team: Lewis-Clark State College, Prairie Baseball Academy and Trail Legion.
Drafted: 9th round in 2007 by the Phillies.
Where has he been: 2007 — Single-A Williamsport (2-3, 3.74, two saves); 2008 — Single-A Lake City (4-6, 4.37, three saves); 2009 — Single-A Clearwater (3-5, 3.98); 2010 — Clearwater (6-3, 2.17, four saves), double-A Reading (1-0, 3.86); 2011 -- Double-A Reading (3-7, 4.82, one save).
Minor League Totals (six seasons): 22-25, 4.28, 10 saves, 198 games, 424 hits, 185 earned runs, 94 walks, 265 strikeouts in 388 2/3 innings.
In his own words ...
Hometown: London, Ont.
Age: 26
Height 6’ 5” Weight 215 lbs.
Bats R Throws: R
MLB organization: Milwaukee Brewers
2012 Teams: (.234, 8, 29) Double-A, Huntsville Stars; (.161, 4, 14) Single-A Brevard County Manatees; (.000, 0, 0) Rooke-Class Arizona Brewers.
MLB Experience: None
Team Canada Experience: 2011 World Cup, 2011 Pan Am Games.
Teams: London Badgers, Indian Hills Community College
Drafted: 34th by the Brewers in 2005 and scout Jay Lapp.
Where he’s been: 2006 — Rookie-Class Helena (1-2, 5.29); 2007 — Helena (0-1, 5.91); 2008 — Helena (.278, eight, 31); 2009 — class-A Wisconsin (.250, six, 58); 2010 — Class-A Brevard County (.270, 17, 75), 2011 _ Class-A Brevard County (.268, 18, 49), Double-A Hunstville (.271, six, 27).
Minor league totals (seven seasons): .252 average, 118 doubles, 10 triples, 87 homers and 324 RBIs in 580 games
In his own words ...
Hometown: Langley, BC
Bats: L, Throws: L
HT: 6’ 2” Wt: 217
MLB Organization: Detroit Tigers
2012 Team: (.269, 21, 82) Double-A, Erie SeaWolves.
MLB Experience: None.
Teams: Langley Blaze, Oregon State.
Team Canada Experience: 2004 Junior National Team.
Drafted: By the Detroit Tigers in the 33rd round in 2008 draft from Oregon State University.
Where he’s been: 2008 -- Rookie-Class Gulf Coast Tigers (.243, 1, 22), class-A Lakeland (.179, 1, 8); 2009 -- West Michigan (.282, 12, 71); 2010 -- West Michigan (.290, 3, 23), Lakeland (.301, 9, 33); 2011 _ Lakeland (.285, 14, 75).
Minor league totals (five seasons): .277, 138 doubles, 3 triples, 61 homers, 314 RBIs in 564 games.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Surrey, BC
Age: 28
Height 6’ 5” Weight 220 lbs.
Bats L Throws L
MLB Organization: New York Mets.
2012 Teams: (.227, 8, 26) Triple-A, Buffalo Bisons; (.286, 0, 1) Single-A St. Lucie Mets.
MLB Experience: Three seasons, 58 games.
Team Canada Experience: 2000, Junior National Team, 2001 Junior National Team, 2002 Junior National Team, 2006 WBC, 2009 World Cup, 2010 Pan Am Qualifier
School and Teams: Chipolla College, Fraser Valley Chiefs and Canadian National Junior Team.
Drafted: 1st round (4th over-all) in the 2002 draft, signed by scouts John Gillette and David Jennings.
Where has he been: 2003 — Single-A Aberdeen (0-2, 2.70), 2004 — Single-A Frederick (0-2, 6.75); 2005 — Frederick (10-8, 4.12), 2006 — Double-A Bowie (4-2, 2.90), Triple-A Ottawa (2-0, 1.27), Baltimore Orioles (6-6, 5.37); 2007 — Orioles (2-0, 3.56); 2008 — Frederick (0-0, 0.00; Bowie (1-0, 1.35), Orioles (0-2, 8.02); 2009 -- Class-A Dunedin (.236, 4, 31); 2010 - double-A New Hampshire (.246, 13, 70); 2011 - triple-A Las Vegas (.306, 17, 85).
Minor League Pitching Totals (five seasons): 17-14, 3.47, 214 hits, 98 earned runs, 135 walks, 261 strikeouts in 235 innings.
Major League Pitching Totals (three seasons, 35 games): 8-8, 5.38, 163 hits, 98 earned runs, 106 walks, 134 strikeouts in 164 innings.
Minor League Hitting Totals (five seasons): .262 average, 110 doubles, 10 triples, 42 homers, 213 RBIs in 507 games.
Major League Hitting Totals (one season): .188, 1, 4 in 14 games. .
In his own words ...
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Age: 27
Height 6’ 8” Weight 210 lbs.
Bats L. Throws R
MLB Organization: Toronto Blue Jays
2012 Team: (0-1, 1.95, five saves) Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats; (0-4, 5.40) Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays.
MLB Experience: (0-0, 6.14 in 9 games with the 2011 Oakland A’s.
Team Canada Experience: 2009 World Cup, 2010 Pan Am Qualifier.
Schools: University of Louisville and DuPont Manual HS.
Drafted: 1st round (56th over-all) by the Blue Jays in 2007, signed by scout Steve Miller.
Where has he been: 2008 — Single-A Lansing (0-9, 5.40); 2009 _ Double-A New Hampshire (1-0, 0.00), Single-A Dunedin (4-1, 2.77, one save); 2010 _ New Hampshire (3-0, 2.58, 5 saves); 2011 - Triple-A Sacramento (4-2, 2.98, 5 saves).
Minor League Totals (five seasons): 12-17, 3.40, 181 hits, 122 earned runs, 102 walks, 260 strikeouts in 322 2/3 innings in 181 games.
Hometown: Joliette, Que.
Age: 28
Ht: 6’ 2” Wt: 185 lbs.
Bats R Throws R
MLB Organization: None.
2012 Team - (.288, 12, 63) Quebec Capitales.
MLB Experience: none.
Team Canada Experience: 2001 World Juniors, 2009 World Cup, 2010 Pan Am/World Cup Qualifier, 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
Schools and Team: Miami-Dade College, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Academie Baseball Canada and Canadian National Junior Team.
Drafted: in the 48th round in 2003, signed by scout Claude Pelletier and Larry Chase.
Where has he been: 2005 — Single-A Brooklyn (.231, 2, 15), Single-A Port St. Lucie (.143, 0, 2); 2006 — Brooklyn (.174, 0, 5), Port St. Lucie (.239, 7, 33); 2007 — Port St. Lucie (.255, 6, 40); 2008 — Double-A Binghamton (.261, 4, 30); 2009 — Binghamton (.245, 1, 28), Triple-A Buffalo (.186, 0, 3); 2010 — Binghamton (.215, three, 22); Buffalo (.238, zero, one); 2011 - Binghamton (.245, 1, 28), Buffalo (.186, 0, 3).
Minor League Totals (eight seasons): .233 average, 98 doubles, 19 triples, 38 homers, 258 RBIs, in 734 games.
Hometown: Spruce Grove, Alta.
Bats L, Throws L.
Ht: 5’ 11” Wt: 205
MLB orginization: Chicago Cubs.
2012 Team: (1-3, 1.89) Single-A Peoria Chiefs.
MLB Experience: none.
Team Canada Experience: 2006 Junior National Team.
Schools and Team: Canadian National Junior Team, Northeastern University, University of British Columbia.
Drafted: by the Chicago Cubs in the 33rd round of the 2011 draft from University of British Columbia
Where has he been: 2011 - Rookie-Class Arizona League (0-0, 2.25), class-A Boise (0-0, 4.91).
Minor League Totals (two seasons): 1-3 record, 2.33, in 42 games, 67 hits, 21 earned runs, 22 walks, 73 strikeouts in 81 innings.
Hometown: Mississauga. Ont.
Bats: R, Throws: R
HT: 6’3” Wt: 195
MLB Organization: None.
2012 Team: (2-0, 1.72) Quebec Capitales, IND-Can Am League (6-3, 2.61) London Rippers/Road Warriors, IND- Frontier League.
MLB Experience: none.
Team Canada Experience: 2004 Junior National Team, 2007 World Cup, 2009 World Cup.
Schools and Team: Mississauga Majors.
Drafted: by the Atlanta Braves in the 31st round of the 2004 draft.
Where has he been: 2005 - Rookie-class Gulf Coast Braves (2-0, 3.09); 2006 - Class-A Danville (7-1, 1.21); 2007 - class-A Rome (7-6, 3.05), 2008 - class-A Kane County (7-11, 4.79), 2009 - Kane County (4-3, 2.70, four saves), class-A Stockton (2-0, 5.40, one save).
Minor League Totals (six seasons): 37-24, 3.31, five saves, in 130 games, 551 hits 207 earned runs, 85 walks, 404 strikeouts in 562 2/3 innings.
In his own words ...
A) My top three highlights from the tournaments were:
1. “Getting the chance to play with some of the younger, new wave of Canadian players.”
2. “Singing “Oh Canada” and getting our “Minds Right” on the bus everyday on the way to the field.”
3. “Winning the qualifier and helping Canada advance to the WBC as well as move into fifth in the world rankings.”
B) Three things I’ll never forget ...
1. “The cold weather. Didn’t matter that we were Canadian, and should probably be used to it, it was definetly still chilly.”
2. “Larry pacing up and down the bus trying to find the guilty person who moved his “Do not disturb” sign from his door.”
3. “The many nights playing cards in the lobby with Mags, Swindle, Strommy, Albers and Malo.”
C) The person at home who was happiest for me was ... “probably my girlfriend Amanda. My parents and family were all happy for me as well.”
D) My favorite Canadian player growing up was ... “Sir Larry Walker.”
E) The most influential person, besides my parents, in my baseball life, is: “My Mississauga Majors coach Ron Szczepanowski. I give great thanks to Ronnie for teaching me the pitching basics and what I needed to know about pitching at a high level.”
F) Was it awkward to play in the WBC qualifier, but then have your status uncertain for the WBC? “Nope ... any chance you get to wear your countries name accross your chest is an honour, and I’m vey proud to do so.
G) So a bronze in the World Cup last fall, a gold in the Pan-Am Games final, a silver in the World Junior qualifier; a silver medal in the World Juniors in Korea and now you guys qualify for next March’s WBC. How good is baseball in Canada right now? “Baseball is at its high right now ... we’ve got a few more tournaments to do well in to prove that Canadian baseball is here, and were here to stay.”
Hometown: Dorchester, Ont.
Age: 28
Height 6’0” Weight 215 lbs.
Bats R Throws R
MLB Organization: Baltimore Orioles.
2012 Team: (.232, 0, 18) Triple-A Norfolk Tides; (.000, 0, 0) Double-A Bowie Baysox.
MLB Experience: None.
Team Canada Experience: 2002 World Jrs.; 2003 World Cup qualifier; 2003 World Cup; 2006 World Baseball Classic; 2007 World Cup; 2008 Olympic Qualifier, 2008 Olympics, 2009 World Cup, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
School and Team: University of Illinois, London Badgers and Canadian National Junior Team.
Drafted: Third round 2005 by the Detroit Tigers, 2005
Where has he been: 2005 — Class-A Oneonta (.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); 2008 — Tennessee (.214, 1, 19); 2009 — Triple-A Iowa (.326, 2, 48); 2010 — Iowa (.248, two, 26); 2011 - Triple-A Iowa (.316, six, 33).
Minor League Totals (eight seasons): 566 games, 112 doubles, seven triples, 12 homers, 245 RBIs, .275 average.
In his own words ...
A) My top three highlights from the tournaments were:
1. “The final win. A very professional approach the entire tournament allowed us to leave no doubt that we were the best team there. Great pitching and one of the most potent offenses I’ve been a part of led to some dominating wins.”
2. “Watching Jimmy VO lock in and put together three of the most impressive games I’ve seen in international competition.”
3. “Having family and friends getting to follow at home and the emails/texts/calls we got from everyone wishing us luck and congratulating us.”
B) Three things I’ll never forget ...
1. “Cole Armstrong. In typical Canadian style we watched Cole refuse to be carried off the field after rupturing his Achilles tendon and then refusing to leave the dugout the rest of the game ... great friend and a great teammate.”
2. “Another year and another Team Canada bus experience ... Miley Cyrus in the past and this year it was Bryan Adams that led us to the field everyday. A handful of Oh Canadas and some techno music that got the boys fired up.”
3. “Rene Tosoni secretly buying an unknown number of hamburgers from McDonalds ... great team guy ... great surprise.”
C) The person at home who was happiest for me was probably ... “Because of the great coverage we received from Sportsnet my entire family was able to watch every game and unlike many other international events enjoy every win along with us.”
D) My favorite Canadian player growing up was ... “Sir Larry Walker, what a guy!”
E) The most influential person, besides my parents, in my baseball career, is: “I’ve been lucky to have some great coaches in my career but most recently, Iowa Cubs pitching coach Mike Mason, who I spent three years with probably helped me the most. A very good friend and teacher helped me with game calling and working with the pitchers. Big hockey guy so he could relate to the Canadian guys well.”
F) Was it awkward to play in the WBC qualifier, but then have your status uncertain for the WBC? ... “Not at all. It gave this group of guys another opportunity to go out and play with the pride and patriotism that we always do. We were coming off a great year last year so to know we were being relied on by our country was a great feeling and one we took a lot of pride in. We have a lot of fun when we come together and any opportunity to spend some time with this team is a bonus no matter what is at stake. We never had any doubt that this group of guys could go and do what needed to be done for Baseball Canada.”
F) So a bronze in the World Cup last fall, a gold in the Pan-Am Games final, a silver in the World Junior qualifier; a silver medal in the World Juniors in Korea and now you guys qualify for next March’s WBC. How good is baseball in Canada right now? “It’s never been better. I think we have proven to our peers that Canada is a force in International Baseball. When teams face Team Canada right now they know they are in for a fight. As an underdog or as the favorite this program has developed a very professional reputation as grinders and a team that will battle to the end.”
Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
Age: 26
Height 6’3” Weight 225 lbs.
Bats L Throws L
MLB Organization: Atlanta Braves.
2012 Team – (.285, 2, 22) Double-A Mississppi Braves; (.320, 1, 6) Single-A, Lynchburg Hillcats.
MLB Experience: None
Team Canada Experience: 2003 World Jrs; 2004 World Jrs, 2009 World Cup, 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
Schools and Teams: Arizona State University, Midland College, Team Ontario and Canadian National Junior Team.
Drafted: 7th round of 2007 amateur entry draft by the Texas Rangers, signed by scout Andy Pratt.
Where has he been: 2007 — Single-A Spokane (.284, 1, 9); 2008 — Single-A Clinton (.300, 13, 70); 2009 — Double-A Frisco (.309, 8, 22), Single-A Bakersfield (.333, 7, 18), Rookie-Class Rangers Arizona League (.333, 1, 2); 2010 — Double-A Northwest Arkansas (.306, nine, 50), 2011 - Rookie-Class Arizona League (.091, zero, zero); Double-A Northwest Arkansas (.311, 10, 49).
Minor League Totals (six seasons): 456 games, 87 doubles, seven triples, 44 homers, 259 RBIs, .303 average.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Bow Island, Alta.
Age: 28
Height 5’ 10” Weight 175 lbs.
Bats S Throws: R
MLB organization: San Francisco Giants
2012 Teams: (.267, 0, 8) Double-A San Jose Giants, (.249, 3, 17) Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies.
MLB Experience: None
Team Canada Experience: 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
School: Southern Arkansas University
Drafted: Signed as a free agent.
Where he’s been: 2007 — Rookie-Class Arizona League Giants .290, two, 11); 2008 — Class-A Salem-Keizer (.250, zero, zero); Class-A Augusta (.200, zero, zero); 2009 — Salem-Keizer (.222, zero, one); Class-A San Jose (.267, two, 15); triple-A Fresno (.000, zero, zero); 2010 — Augusta (.195, zero, 12); Richmond (.239, two, seven); 2011 - Double-A Richmond (.277, two homers, 20 RBIs).
Minor league totals (six seasons): .250 average, 41 doubles, six triples, 11 homers and 98 RBIs in 358 games).
In his own words ...
Hometown: Vancouver
Age 29
Height 6’ 3” Weight 200
Bats L Throws L
MLB Organization: St. Louis Cardinals.
2012 Team: (1-1, 4.76) Triple-A Memphis Redbirds.
MLB Experience: Two seasons, nine games.
Team Canada Experience: 2007 World Cup; 2008 Olympics, 2009 World Cup.
School and Team: Charleston Southern University
Drafted: 14th round of the 2004 draft by the Boston Red Sox, signed by scout Rob English.
Where has he been: 2004 — Single-A Lowell (5-1, 1.94); 2005 — Schaumburg-IND (6-4, 3.27), 2006 — Schaumburg (2-2, 3.41), Single-A Charleston (4-2, 0.61, two saves), Triple-A Columbus (0-0, 0.00, one save); 2007 — Newark-IND (1-0, 1.93, one save), Single-A Lakewood (2-1, 0.93, 10 saves), Single-A Clearwater (0-1, 4.80, three saves); 2008 — Double-A Reading (1-0, 0.54), Triple-A Lehigh Valley (2-1, 1.98, three saves), Philadelphia Phillies (0-0, 7.71); 2009 - Cleveland Indians (0-0, 16.20), Triple-A Columbus (1-0, 4.05), Triple-A Nashville (3-1, 1.03, two saves); 2010 - Triple-A Durham (2-4, 2.45, two saves); 2011 - Durham (2-0, 4.15, one save).
Minor League Totals (nine seasons): 32-18, 2.42, 22 saves, 265 games, 429 hits, 136 earned runs, 109 walks, 507 strikeouts in 505 innings.
Major League Totals (two seasons): 0-0, 12.71, nine games, 21 hits, 16 earned runs, six walks, 12 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Coquitlam, BC
Age 26
Height 6’ 0” Weight 195 lbs.
Bats L Throws R
MLB Organization: Minnesota Twins.
2012 Teams: (.233, 3, 11) Double-A New Britain, (.231, 1, 2), Single-A Ft. Myers Miracle (.316, 0, 5), Rookie Class Gulf Coast Twins, (.167, 0, 5) Triple-A Rochester.
MLB Experience: 60 games.
Team Canada Experience: 2003 World Jrs., 2009 World Cup.
School and Teams: Chipola College, Coquitlam Reds and Canadian National Junior Team.
Drafted: 36th Round of 2005 draft by Minnesota Twins, signed by scout Jim Ridley.
Where has he been: 2007 — Rookie-Class Elizabeton (.301, 3, 31); Single-A Beloit (.273, 0, 1); 2008 — Rookie-Class Twins Gulf Coast League (.667, 0, 1); Single-A Fort Myers (.300, 1, 19); 2009 - Double-A New Britain (.271, 15, 71); 2010 - New Britain (.270, 4, 25); 2011 - Triple-A Rochester (.226, six, 26); Minnesota Twins (.203, 1, 5).
Minor League Totals (six seasons): 446 games, 85 doubles, 15 triples, 34 homers, 172 RBIs, .262 average.
Major league totals: (one season): .203, seven doubles, one homer, five RBIs in 60 games, .203 average in 60 games.
In his own words ...
Hometown: Montreal, Que.
Bats: L. Throws: L.
Ht: 6’ 1” Wt: 205
MLB Organization: Milwaukee Brewers.
MLB Experience: None.
2012 Teams: (0-1, 8.49) Double-A Huntsville, (0-0, 4.00) Single-A Brevard County.
Team Canada Experience: 2004 Junior National Team.
School: Academie Baseball Canada.
Drafted: By the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round in 2004.
Where has he been: 2005 - Rookie-Class Billings (2-1, 6.43); class-A Dayton (2-5, 6.30); 2006 - Dayton (2-4, 7.54); 2007 - Billings (3-1, 1.77, three saves), Dayton (1-2, 6.75), 2008 - Dayton (0-1, 3.12, one save), class-A Sarasota (2-2, 3.92, two saves), 2009 - Sarasota (1-1, 2.29 six saves); Carolina (1-1, 2.76, three saves); 2010 - Carolina (2-0, 3.99 four saves), Louisville (2-1, 4.29, one save).
Minor League Totals (seven seasons): 18-20, 4.61, 20 saves, 217 games, 407 hits, 193 earned runs, 185 walks, 294 strikeouts in 376 2/3 innings.
In his own words ...
Hometown Richmond, BC
Age 28
Height 6’4” Weight 225 lbs.
Bats R Throws R
MLB Organization: Washington Nationals.
2012 Teams: (.310, 10, 30) Double-A Harrisburg, (.368, 3, 20) Sugar Land Skeeters, IND-Atlantic League.
MLB Experience: none.
Team Canada Experience: 2007 World Cup; 2008 Olympic Qualifier, 2008 Olympics, 2009 World Cup, 2010 Pan Am/World Cup Qualifier, 2011 World Cup Team, 2011 Pan-Am Team.
Schools and Team: College: Cal Poly University, Allan Hancock College and North Delta Blue Jays.
Drafted: Eighth round, selected by Houston Astros in 2006 signed by Dennis Twombley.
Where has he been: 2006 — Class-A Tri City (.297, 13, 49), 2007 — Class-A Lexington (.289, 12, 60); 2008 — Carolina (.292, 7, 64), Double-A Corpus Christi (.160, 0, 4); 2009 — Corpus Chrisi (.283, 16, 71); 2010 — Corpus Christi (.244, three, 44), 2011 - Double-A Corpus Chrisi (.306, 11, 48).
Minor League Totals (seven seasons): 673 games, 131 doubles, eight triples, 64 homers, 354 RBIs, .285 average.
In his own words ...
A) My top highlights from the tournaments were:
1. “Chris Robinson’s home run to give us an early lead in the final game.”
2. “Celebrating with the boys on the field after the final knowing we had accomplished our goal
B) Things I’ll never forget ...
1. “Cole Armstrong remaining with us every pitch after tearing his Achilles ... showed what a true team player he is.”
2. “Singing with the guys on the bus on the way to the field before the final.”
C) The person at home who was happiest for me was probably ... “My parents.”
D) My favorite Canadian player growing up was ... “Larry Walker.”
E) The most influential person, besides my parents, in my baseball life, is: Larry Lee - Cal Poly SLO head coach
F) Was it awkward to play in the WBC qualifier, but then have your status uncertain for the WBC? ... “Not at all, it was an honor to represent our country.”
F) So a bronze in the World Cup last fall, a gold in the Pan-Am Games final, a silver in the World Junior qualifier; a silver medal in the World Juniors in Korea and now you guys qualify for next March’s WBC. How good is baseball in Canada right now? “It is pretty darn good and it’s getting better.”
Who are these guys who won World Cup bronze and Pan Am Gold in 2011?
