The 2007 season so far is an example of how Canadian players are continually ascending to the level of elite players in the Major Leagues and elsewhere. With the first half of the season in the books, let us take a look at how the Canadians are faring.
Justin Morneau of New Westminster, B.C. was on fire to start the season. The 2006 American League MVP has 24 home runs, which ranks him second in the AL behind Alex Rodriguez. His 74 RBI are good for third in the AL. He is also hitting .295 and is on pace to hit 40 homers and score 100 runs for the first time in his career.
Russell Martin of Chelsea, Québec is quickly distinguishing himself as one of the elite catchers in the game. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ backstop leads all catchers in runs scored with 51 and stolen bases with 16. He is second at his position with 60 RBI. He also has 11 homers and is hitting .306. The Dodgers are 47-33 when he starts and 2-7 when he does not.
Erik Bedard of Navan, Ontario leads the Majors with 149 strikeouts. He is 7-4 with a 3.40 ERA with the Baltimore Orioles and continues to establish himself as the team ace.
Other Canadians who are off to good starts in 2007:
- Jason Bay of Trail, B.C. - .256 AVG, 13 HR, 56 RBI
- Jeff Francis of Vancouver, B.C. - 8-5, 3.87 ERA, 80 SO, 34 BB
- Matt Stairs of Fredericton, N.B. - .287 AVG, 13 HR, 35 RBI, 195 AB
- Eric Gagne of Mascouche, Québec - 2-0, 1.32 ERA, 12 SV
- Ryan Dempster of Gibsons, B.C. - 1-3, 3.38 ERA, 16 SV, 33 SO, 34.2 IP
Joey Votto of Toronto, Ontario is putting together a solid season of his own. The first-baseman with the Triple-A Louisville Bats with the Cincinnati Reds organization is hitting .315 with 11 home runs, 50 RBI and 10 stolen bases this season. At this rate, the 23-year-old could possibly make his Major League debut before the end of the season.
