Canada 1-0 at Olympics

Canada started the competition at the 2008 Summer Olympics with a 10-0 win over the host team, China.  Leading the way was Scott Thorman with a 3 run home run, and a strong pitching performance by Chriss Begg, who went 6.1 innings in the start.

Stern and Saunders each contributed 2 runs and RBIs each, and Cormier closed the game with 3 strikeouts.

Next up is Cuba, which should present much more of a challenge to the Canadian squad.

Let the (baseball) Games Begin!

So the 2008 Beijing Olympics start today … or tomorrow if you want to be picky about when the competitions begin.  I’m not sure how much I’ll be interested in, but time will tell.  Sometimes it is tough not to be drawn in when you see your country competing.

For those Canadian baseball fans, our team starts play on Tuesday.  Here’s the olympic baseball schedule:

Tuesday, Aug. 12 – Canada vs. China, 11:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 14 – Canada vs. Cuba, 6 a.m.
Fri, Aug. 15 – South Korea vs. Canada, 6 a.m. & Canada vs. U.S., 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 17 – Japan vs. Canada , 10:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 18 – Canada vs. Netherlands, 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Taiwan vs. Canada , 6 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 21 – Semifinal – First vs. Fourth Places, 10:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 22 – Semifinal – Second vs. Third Places, 6 a.m.
Bronze Medal Game – Semifinal Losers, 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Gold Medal Game – Semifinal Winners, 6 a.m.

The roster of Canada’s team can be viewed here.  Some of the notables are this year’s first round draft pick Brett Lawrie, pitcher Rheal Cormier, World Baseball Classic hero Adam Stern, recent MLB players Scott Thorman, Chris Reitsma, and perennial baseball favourite Stubby Clapp.

Also, for those following the game closely, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame will be having a blogger in Beijing reporting on the team.  Find those reports here. 

Of course, all the scores and commentary will be right here.  So stay tuned for some great Canadian baseball games!

Brewers Sign Lawrie

The Milwaukee Brewers have announced the signing of this year’s top draft pick, Brett Lawrie.  Terms were not disclosed.

Lawrie hails from Langley, B.C.and was the 16th overall selection in the 2008 MLB Draft. He became the highest drafted Canadian positional player in the history of the Draft and was just the sixth Canadian ever selected in the first round.

Richmond Gets a Second Start Tonight

Scott Richmond, who made his MLB pitching debut with the Toronto Blue Jays last week, gets a second start tonight against the Oakland A’s.

I his first start, Richmond was strong going past 5 innings and allowing 3 runs on seven hits.

Welcome to Boston, Jason

Sure, there’s been a few people who have said that Boston didn’t get enough for Ramirez.  I think they’re singing a different tune now.

Bay went 1 for 3 with a walk, but it was his triple in the twelfth that allowed him to score the winning run for the Sox.  He scored both runs for Boston, and also had a great defensive play in the outfield.

Good work Jason, keep it up!

More Jason Bay …

Just to add fuel to the many debates about the trade:

Stats for Bay this year
.282 avg
22 hr
64 rbi
72 runs

Stat’s for Manny
.299 avg
20 hr
68 rbi
66 runs

These make the deal look a little more even.  And if you had to make a choice on who has the most potential in a Sox uniform?  Not manny the way he’s played this week.

Bay to the Red Sox as part of the Manny Ramirez Deal

So Jason Bay was dealt, and what a deal!  As part of the Manny Ramirez to L.A. deal, Bay goes from the fire-sale Pirates to the playoff contending Red Sox.  I’m sure he’s not complaining. 

The former rookie of the year will now be part of a formative lineup and be part of this year’s playoffs.  Since being the ROY, he’s struggles in Pittsburgh but now has the opportunity to have his career flourish.  A good trade for Bay, and a good trade for Boston.  I’m sure many of the Boston fans may be weary of the trade, but once they get to know Jason Bay and his potential, they’ll be happy.  Fram a very non-team player to the pinnacle of a team player.

The 2008 playoff picture just got very interesting.

Richmond makes his MLB debut

Scott Richmond, a Canadian from North Vancouver, made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays today, but lost 3-2 to the Tampa Rays.

Richmond pitched 5.1 innings, gave up 7 hits and 3 runs, with 4 strikeouts.  Some more offense by the jays might have helped him to a win, but he’ll have to settle for a strong first time outing.

Richmond is the 229th Canadian to play in the major leagues.

Bedard has MRI, Still No Date for His Return

Mariner’s Erik Bedard had an MRI on his injured left shoulder on Tuesday to determine the cause of the pain in his arm.  All that resulted was that he will continue his rehab program, and attempt to resume throwing shortly.  He threw in batting practice on Sunday but gave up when his arm became still.

Bedard is 6-4 with a 3.67 ERA so far this season.

RJ Swindle becomes #228

I’m a little late posting this, but it is certainly worth mentioning.  On July 7th, RJ Swindle of the Philidelphia Philles became the 228th Canadian to play in the major leagues.  He pitched 3 innings with 3 strikeouts, but gave up 2 runs.

Congrats to Swindle!