OTTAWA – The Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed pitcher Rich Harden of Victoria, BC from the Oakland Athletics in a six player deal. The Cubs acquired Harden and Chad Gaudin from the Athletics in exchange for Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson, Matt Murton and minor leaguer Josh Donaldson. “I heard it was going to happen. Still it’s always a surprise,” says Harden in an interview with the Associated Press. “It’s a bit of a shock but it will be good. They’ve got a good team and a chance of doing something special.” So far this season, Harden has posted a 5-1 mark with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts with Oakland. He’s struck out 92 batters in 77.0 innings pitched. Harden will be joining fellow Canadian Ryan Dempster, a BC native, in the rotation for the Cubs. By adding Harden to the rotation, the Cubs hope to end their 100 year drought without a World Series championship.
OTTAWA – Some of the best female baseball players from across the country are about to descend on to Sydney, Nova Scotia for the 2008 Women’s Senior Baseball Championship set to begin on Thursday, July 10 until Sunday, July 13. This five team tournament (two from Québec, Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia) will also serve as a selection camp for the Baseball Canada Women’s National Team, which will make its way to Matsuyama, Japan for the 2008 Women’s Baseball World Cup. “People are always surprised at the calibre of baseball that these girls can play,” says Women’s National Team Manager André Lachance. “The girls play a lot of strategically good baseball,” add Baseball Nova Scotia Executive Director Brad Lawlor, “a lot of small-ball and a lot of smart-ball.” Sydney, Nova Scotia is considered the birthplace of women’s baseball in the province which, according to Lawlor, should bring out some interest in the community for the tournament. “Sydney has traditionally been a great host for baseball tournaments in the past and we expect that once people start spreading the word around town that it will bring some pretty big crowds.” As for Lachance, he says he is looking for players that will help his team improve on their two third place showings in the previous two World Cups. “We need to sure things up defensively and add some depth on the mound,” says Lachance. “Those are some things that cost us last time and we’re looking to improve on here.” The girls game keeps getting stronger in Canada and for the doubters of the high calibre of women’s baseball, Lachance always has this to say. “I always tell those who knock the women’s game to come out and see a game before they dismiss it. After the game, they usually change their mind.” The girls selected for the Women’s National Team will be announced following the tournament.
OTTAWA, ON – For the first time in Major League history, three Canadians have been selected to participate in the MLB All-Star Game, which will take place on July 15 at Yankee Stadium in New York. Ryan Dempster of the Chicago Cubs, Russell Martin of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins are the three Canadians who will make their way to New York. Each player is heading to their second All-Star appearance. Dempster of Gibsons, BC will be making his first All-Star appearance since 2000 when he was a member of the Florida Marlins. The right-handed pitcher in 9-3 so far this season with a 3.24 ERA in 18 starts. “It will be awesome to get back there again,” says Dempster in an interview with MLB.com. “For everything I’ve been through, to make the All-Star team, what a thrill that would be, and at Yankee Stadium with all the festivities. It’ll be one of the greatest All-Star Games ever. It would mean a lot.” Martin of Chelsea, Québec will be making his second consecutive All-Star appearance after being voted in as a starter the previous year for the National League. The 25-year-old catcher is hitting .306 with nine home runs, 17 doubles and 42 RBI so far this season. “I was nervous last year, my first time at an All-Star Game,” admitted Martin to MLB.com. “This year, it’ll be more relaxing and I’ll enjoy it more. I’ve never played at Yankee Stadium and I’m fortunate to there. A lot of guys will never have the opportunity.” For Morneau, this is also his second consecutive appearance at the All-Star Game after the New Westminster, BC native was voted in as a starter for the American League in 2007. The 2006 AL MVP is hitting .307 with 12 homers so far this year. His 65 RBI is second in the AL behind Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers. “It’s pretty special, being the last one at Yankee Stadium,” says Morneau to MLB.com. “It was kind of a goal I set at the start of the year, to be playing well enough to be named to that All-Star team. So to get there… is exciting.” Larry Walker holds the Canadian record for All-Star appearances with five. Ferguson Jenkins and Eric Gagne follow with three appearances each while Jason Bay, Jeff Heath and George Selkirk have each earned two All-Star nods.
