Now Pitching … Not Adam Loewen

It takes a lot of courage to quit a job that you have been successful at and start over at a new one.  It also takes a great deal of intelligence to understand the long term risks to your health and put yourself first instead of money, fame, and a major league career.

But that’s exactly what Adam Loewen did this week when he announced that he was done with elbow surgeries and would restart his career as a position player.  He refused the suggestion of yet another surgery and decided to start over by picking up a bat and changing his career.  I can’t say I believe his would be the preferred choice of most MLB players, given the amounts they are paid in the majors versus the minors.  Loewen showed that money is not at at the top of his priority list.

Now, we’ve seen this happen before, with the notable case being that of St. Louis Cardinals’ Rick Ankiel.  Not too many people have forgotten his post-season pitching performance where he continually tested the strength of the screen behind home plate to the dismay of the catcher.  Most thought his baseball career was done, but he stuck with it, moving through the Cardinals’ farm system and eventually making it back to the majors last year where he’s had great success and is one of the reasons the Cardinals are still in contention.  Most had written the team off before spring training.

So now we get to see if Loewen can be as successful.  Let’s hope that the percervearavnce that got him to the majors continues, and we can once again head to Camden Yards to cheer on the Canadian.  Now that would be a great story.

Morneau Shines at All-Star Game

Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins continued his strong performance at this year’s All Star festivities by going 2-4 with two runs scored including the winning run in the 15th inning, giving the American League yet another victory over the senior circuit.  This follows his win in the home run derby, a first for a Canadian.

Not to be outdone, the other Canadians made solid contributions.  Russ Martin went 1-3 for the National League Side, and Ryan Dempster came into the game in the 9th and struck out the side.

Overall, Canadians should be proud of the All-Star representatives.  Sure, there were only three, but they made a big impact on the week.

Now the second half of the season begins, and it would be great to see a few new Canadians make it to the majors, and the existing MLB players to continue their bright year.  Morneau’s performance over the last few days should give them quite a lift!

Home Run Champion

Congrats to Justin Morneau, Canada’s first home run derby Champion!  Justin edged out Josh Hamilton in the final of last night’s pre-All Star Game festivities.  Although his homers weren’t as long as the competition, he outlasted Hamilton who put on a great performance.

And that was last night’s big story.

If you don’t know about Josh Hamiton, go find the Sports Illustrated from a few weeks ago with him on the cover and read the article.  It is an incredible story about a great comeback, and then you’ll realize why last night’s derby was so special.  It’s a bit unbelievable that people are saying one of the greatest moments in Yankee stadium history was last night in a home run derby given the amount of history that is held between the foul lines of Yankee stadium.  But going from where Josh was just a few years ago to putting on that amazing show last night is just one of the many reasons that baseball is a great game.

And hey, he even won over the New York crowd!

Canada’s All-Stars

Tonight begins baseball’s mid-summer classic, the All Star Game and Events.  With the ever popular home run derby taking place tonight, Canadian’s can cheer for BC native Justin Morneau who represents the Twins in the event.

Tomorrow night’s game has a few Canadians in the line-up, although none are starters.  The NL side includes L.A. Dodgers’ catcher Russ Martin and Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, with Justin Morneau the sole AL player.

Three Canadian players are not a lot, but this is probably a fair representation given the year a lot of Canadian players are having.  Francis and Bay are experiencing off-years, and even though some players like Joey Votto and Matt Stairs are having good years, they’re not all-star caliber.

Phillipe Aumont (Mariner’s #1 draft pick) was the lone Canadian in the futures game.  Although these numbers look a little bleak for Canadians in the game, there’s not only a solid core in the majors right now, but a growing number of prospects making their way through the minor system.  With the growth we’ve seen in the past few years, I think it is safe to expect more in the future.  Maybe we will look back at 2008 as an off year, but of course, it’s not over yet!

Jason Bay to … ???

It looks like Pittsburgh is serious this time about trading Jason Bay.  The BC native has been rumoured to be on the trading block before, but now the Cardinals and the D-Back’s look like the top contenders to acquire the outfielder.

I’m biased as a Cardinal fan to think that they have a good chance of getting him, although the sticking point in that trade will be Colby Rasmus.  The up-and-coming outfielder has thought to be untouchable, but it seems that Bay is making the Cards reconsider.  The D-Backs might have to give up their 2nd baseman prospect Bonifacio, but that could leave a big hole in the infield if current 2B Orlando Hudson leaves at the end of the year.  Xavier Nady also appears to be on the way out of Pittsburgh, so he may factor into the decision making.

Let’s hope Bay can go to a team that appreciates him and can showcase his abilities to the rest of the league.  He’s a strong player, one of the top Canadians in the league, and it would be great to see him on a contender.

Rich Harden to the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs, in their pursuit of the National League’s Central Division, have aquired Rich Harden from the Oakland A’s.  In response to Milwaukee’s trade this week for CC Sabathia, the Cubs responded by sending a pitcher, 2 outfielders and a minor leaguer for Harden and pitcher Chad Gaudin.

A’s manager Billy Beane (of Moneyball fame) refused to say they were in a selling mode, but said they have aquired some young players for the future.  However, they did give up a starting pitcher who was 5-0 so far this season.

It should be interesting to see how Harden can contribute towards the Cub’s pennant chase.  The central division is becoming quite a battle with Milwaukee and the Cubs looking strong, and the surprising Cardinals staying in the race.

… and to Russ Martin

Russ martin was named last year’s Tip O’Neill award winner for being the top Canadian player in 2007.  This month the Canadian Baseball hall of Fame travelled to LA to present Martin with the award.

Last season he batted .293 with 19 homeruns and 87 RBI.  This season his average currently stand at .306, not bad for an excellent defensive player.

Congrats to the Drafted Canadians

This year’s MLB draft was a good one for Canada, and history making as well.  The most notable pick was Brett Lawrie of Langley, BC who became the 4th highest Canadian draft pick of all time, and the highest position player.  Only Adam Loewen, Jeff Francis and Phillipe Aumont have been picked higher than this year’s 16th overall pick.  He is now the property of the Milwaukee Brewers, an organization with a few prominant Canadians in their managerial ranks who probably had some good knowledge of the Canadian.

It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if Lawrie lasted one more pick.  The Toronto Blue Jays picked 17th, and if he had been available he would have been a logical pick for them.

On the second day of the draft (yes, it goes for multiple days! we saw another 31 Canadians drafted.  Here’s the list:

• Andrew Albers; North Battleford, SK (10^th round, 315^th/Padres), LHP
• Brad Furdal; Ancaster, ON. (11^{th round}, 323^rd/Rays), RHP
• David Francis; Mississauga, ON (12^th round, 370^th/Braves), RHP
• Marcel Champagnie; Bolton, ON (15^th round, 469^th/Angels), SS/OF
• Carter Morrison; Langley, BC (16^th round, 479^th/Reds), CF
• Stosh Wawrzasek; Langley, BC (16^th round, 488^th/Brewers), RHP
• Michael Crouse; Port Moody, BC (16^th round, 489^th/Blue Jays), OF
• Nick Bucci; Sarnia, ON (18^th round, 548^th/Brewers), RHP
• Jordan Meaker; Burlington, ON (20^th round, 618^th/Diamondbacks), RHP
• Mathieu Poirier; Montreal, QC (21^st round, 634^th/Athletics), RHP
• Mitch Delaney; LaSalle, ON (21^st round, 650^th/Yankees), 1B
• Carter Bell; Courtenay, BC (22^nd round, 657^th/Giants), INF
• Marcus Knecht; Toronto, ON (23^rd round, 698^th/Brewers), OF
• Michael Gosse; Pitt Meadows, BC (23^rd round, 703^rd/Tigers), 2B
• Lionel Morrill; Edmonton, AB (24^th round, 726^th/Twins), OF
• Brad McElroy; St. Thomas, ON (25^th round, 759^th/Blue Jays), OF
• J.R. Robinson; Burnaby, BC (31^st round, 939^th/Blue Jays), LHP
• Jordan Lennerton; Surrey, BC (33^rd round, 1003^rd/Tigers), 1B
• François Lafreniere; St-Bruno, QC (34^th round, 1017^th/Giants), RHP
• Ruddy Rio-Nunez; Montreal, QC (35^th round, 1066^th/Phillies), OF
• Nick Purdy; Grafton, ON (36^th round, 1075^th/Royals), RHP/OF
• Clay Caufield; Toronto, ON (38^th round, 1160^th/Yankees), RHP
• Nick Fogarty; Richmond Hill, ON (40^th round, 1208^th/Brewers), LHP
• Benson Merritt; Smithville, ON (42^nd round, 1259^th/Reds), RHP
• George Agyapong-Mensah; Mississauga, ON (44^th round, 1329^th/Blue Jays), RF
• Jean-François Ricard; Montreal, QC (44^th round, 1334^th/Mets), LHP
• David Cooper, Edmonton, AB. (44^th round, 1337^th/Diamondbacks), SS
• James Kottaras; Markham, ON (45^th round, 1357^th/Brewers), 2B
• Ashton Florko; Trail, BC (45^th round, 1359^th/Cubs), LHP
• Nathan Linseman; Ariss, ON (45^th round, 1361^st/Tigers), LHP
• Leonardo Ochoa; Longeuil, QC (48^th round, 1428^th/Giants), SS

A Resurgence of Two

Two Canadian players are having career years, and it’s really nice to see these veterans return to the spotlight.

Today, Ryan Dempster struck out 12, improving his record to 5-1.  He’s been a key to the Cubs’ success this year.  In recent years he has struggled and bounced between a starting role and the bullpen.  Let’s hope this great pitching continues.

Matt Stairs is having quite the season for the Jays.  His power has returned, as witnessed by yesterday’s grand slam home run.  It seems every day I check the Jays’ box score he has made a contribution, usually in the form of a home run.  A lot of people weren’t too sure what role he’d be able to play this year.  I think he’s confirmed that starting DH would suit him just fine.

With these 2 players having great years, it goes to show how Canadians keep at it and don’t give up, no matter how many years of adversity or trades they experience.  Of course, I can think of a few younger players whose seasons are not going so well.  These two veterans should serve as an example to not give up.  It ain’t over until it’s over …  

Congrats to #227

Luke Carlin played in his first major league game on the 10th for the Padres, becoming the 227th Canadian to play in the majors.  He was born in Almer, Quebec.

He went 0-3, but more importantly was the catcher for Greg Maddox’s 350 win.