Canada may face challenges in World Baseball Classic
Posted March 1, 2013 2:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The third World Baseball Classic will begin this weekend, with games in Phoenix, San Juan, Japan and Korea, but some are wondering if the Canadian team will be able to perform on an international level.
Canada claims to be sending its strongest roster, with Brett Lawrie of the Blue Jays on third base, third baseman Joey Votto of the Reds and a strong batter in Justin Morneau of the Twins. Former Blue Jays catcher Ernie Whitt is the team manager.
Team Canada’s pitching staff will not really be a threat. John Axford of the Brewers is an excellent reliever, but it’s not likely he’ll get into to many games when Canada is leading.
Canada may also face a challenge with the American team, which will be boltsered by Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey, catcher J.P. Arecibia and Joe Mauer, who is also a catcher.
Mark Teixeira of the New York Yankees and Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers will also be on Team USA, with Joe Torre as the team’s manager.
Although the first two World Baseball Classics have been won by Japan, this year’s Japanese team does not include a single player from the Major Leagues.
Team Canada is in pool D and will play their first game against Italy in Phoenix on March 8.
