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!

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!

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 …  

A Slow but Respectable Start

Mast year was a record year for Canadians in MLB.  Over 23 different Canadians played in a major league game, with some very impressive performances.

After almost one month into the 2008 season, there has been 6 position players and 8 pitchers on a team roster.  Matt Stairs leads the position players in batting, helping the Blue Jays to a surprisingly competitive start.  Reds rookie Joey Votto is close behind, hitting almost .300 with 3 homeruns.  Mark Teahen leads all Canadian batters with 4 homeruns.

The great start by the Cubs has been helped by Ryan Dempster, whose 3-0 start with a 3.00 ERA is a major reason of their success.  The starter role seems to suit him!  We’ll have to wait for Erik Bedard to me taken off of Seattle’s injured list before we can see him in action.

There should be more Canadians coming, and there’s a healthy crop at AAA.  That will be the subject of an upcoming post.

For now, we’ll cheer on the 14 and hope that number goes beyond 24!!