Martin willing to shortstop for Canada at WBC
Catcher Russell Martin says he’s ready to play shortstop or any other position on the field if it will help Canada win at the World Baseball Classic.
The recently signed Pittsburgh Pirate says he’ll even add fielding grounders to his winter training program in case Canada manager Ernie Whitt opts to use him in the infield. He’d even consider playing shortstop in the unlikely case that the Pirates ever ask him to switch positions.
“I don’t want to do something that’s not going to help the team, whether it’s Pittsburgh or Team Canada,” Martin told reporters Wednesday on a conference call. “I know I have the ability to play shortstop.
“I haven’t played there in a long time. I know the speed of the game is going to be higher than when I last played (in high school and college). But right now, if it means I can help the team by playing shortstop for Canada then I’ll do that.”
Canada does not have a shortstop in the major leagues, but it has another catcher in George Kottaras of the Oakland A’s.
Jays voice Cheek nabs Hall honour
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Tom Cheek, the original and longtime voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, has been awarded the 2013 Ford C. Frick award for broadcasting excellence by the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Cheek, who died in 2005, called the first 4,306 regularseason and 41 post-season games in Blue Jays history, beginning in 1977.
Source says Bay made Mariners deal
NASHVILLE — Free agent Canadian outfielder Jason Bay has reached a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners, according to a person familiar with the deal.
The 34-year-old from Trail, B.C., is hoping to resurrect his career with the Mariners after three disappointing and injury-plagued seasons with the New York Mets.
Bay hit .165 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs last season. He was slowed by concussions and rib injuries while with the Mets and played only 288 games in three years with them.