From now until the World Baseball Classic begins on March 6, we’ll be helping you get to know each team involved in baseball’s global tournament. Today’s entry: Canada.
What to make of Canada in the 2017 World Baseball Classic? On one hand, the Canadians have some names you’ll definitely recognize. On the other hand, they’re almost all past their prime.
We’re talking about a team on which Ryan Dempster and Eric Gagne are playing after more than 10 years combined away from the game. More telling, though: Canada’s pitching staff might actually need them.
Many of Canada’s best players are sitting this one out, including Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Michael Saunders and Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin.