With Spring Training well under way and the start of the Major League season soon at hand, now is the time to see proven major leaguers hitting their stride and young prospects and minor leaguers trying to turn some heads in bids to earn roster spots. Within all that, there are some Canadians of note that have had productive springs thus far.
Among the position players, Trail, B.C.’s Jason Bay is hitting .455 (5-for-11) with a pair of doubles and two RBI this spring for Pittsburgh. Peter Orr of Richmond Hill, Ontario has appeared in nine games for the Atlanta Braves this spring and is hitting .375 (6-for-16). Cincinnati Reds prospect Joey Votto of Toronto, Ontario has a homer and five RBIs while hitting .353 (6-for-17) in 12 games. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Stern of London, Ontario is hitting .333 (2-for-6) in four games.
Other players of note:
- Matt Stairs; Saint John, New Brunswick (Toronto Blue Jays): .313 (5-for-16), 2 RBI
- Pierre-Luc Laforest; Hull, Quebec (San Diego Padres): .300 (3-for-10), 2 RBI
- Justin Morneau; New Westminster, B.C. (Minnesota Twins): 5 RBI, 9 G
- Russell Martin; Gatineau, Quebec (L.A. Dodgers): .320 (8-for-25), 3 RBI
Among the pitchers, Erik Bedard of Navan, Ontario is 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA in three starts (9.0 IP) for the Baltimore Orioles for the spring. Moncton, New Brunswick’s Rheal Cormier has made four relief appearances this spring and has a 2.25 ERA in 4.0 IP for Cincinnati. Victoria, B.C. native Rich Harden of the Oakland Athletics has posted a 0.00 ERA in two games (5.0 IP) with nine strikeouts. Ryan Dempster of Sechelt, B.C. has made four relief appearances (4.0 IP) for the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.25 ERA.
Other pitchers of note:
- Steve Green; Greenfield Park, Quebec (Baltimore Orioles): 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 3.0 IP, 4 K
- Shawn Hill; Mississauga, Ontario (Washington Nationals): 2,00 ERA, 3 GS, 9.0 IP
- Adam Loewen; Surrey, B.C. (Baltimore Orioles): 1-1, 2.25 ERA, 2 GS, 4.0 IP, 9 K
- Jesse Crain; Toronto, Ontario (Minnesota Twins): 1.50 ERA, 5 G, 6.0 IP
Keep an eye out for these Canadians and many others as the 2007 Major League season is set to begin on April 1st.
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