Bay, Morneau lead Canada into Baseball Classic
Last Updated: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 | 7:09 PM ET
CBC Sports
Justin Morneau drove in 129 runs with the Minnesota Twins last season. (Gail Burton/Associated Press)First baseman Justin Morneau and left-fielder Jason Bay head the lineup for manager Ernie Whitt's Canadian squad at the World Baseball Classic.
The 16 countries competing in the WBC submitted their rosters on Tuesday.
B.C. natives Morneau and Bay help provide power to the lineup, with the respective former American League most valuable player and National League rookie of the year driving in more than 100 runs in the majors last season.
Two-time all-star catcher Russell Martin, who grew up in Chelsea, Que., will work with the pitching staff.
Other notable big leaguers on Canada's team include Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds, Matt Stairs of the Philadelphia Phillies and Mark Teahen of the Kansas City Royals. Former major leaguer Cory Koskie and longtime national team member Stubby Clapp are also on the 28-man roster.
The question mark for Canada is pitching. Several established Canadian pitchers are injured or sitting out the WBC. Jesse Crain, Scott Richmond and David Davidson provide the limited major league experience among the 13 pitchers.
Joining Richmond and Crain on the staff are: veteran national team stalwarts Chris Begg, Mike Johnson and Steve Green; Dave Davidson, part of Canada's Olympic team in Beijing; Vince Perkins, who pitched in the 2006 WBC; and prospects Phillippe Aumont, Scott Diamond, Christopher Leroux, Bryan Dumensil, T.J. Burton and Brooks McNiven.
The WBC runs from March 5-23 in seven venues in four countries or territories, with the finals scheduled for March 23 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Rogers Centre in Toronto is hosting Round 1 games from March 7-11.
Canada plays in a pool with the U.S., Italy and Venezuela, opening on March 7 against the Americans.
Starting pitchers for the U.S. include Jake Peavy, Roy Oswalt and Ted Lilly. Toronto Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan is among those available out of the bullpen.
The American infield includes stars Derek Jeter, Jimmy Rollins, Dustin Pedroia and David Wright, among others. Grady Sizemore and Curtis Granderson are among the U.S. outfielders.
Team Canada will open training camp March 1 at Dunedin, Fla.
With files from the Canadian Press
