Catcher Martin offers to play shortstop
MONTREAL – 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.
“I don’t want to do something that’s not going to help the team, whether it’s Pittsburgh or Team Canada,” Martin said.“I know I have the ability to play shortstop.
“I haven’t played there in a long time ... But right now, if it means I can help the team by playing shortstop for Canada then I’ll do that.
Martin, of Chelsea, Que., recently told Greg Hamilton, director of national teams for Baseball Canada, he was willing to play shortstop at the third edition of the Classic in March.
Canada doesn’t have a shortstop in the majors, but has another catcher — Oakland’s George Kottaras.
Reds’ all-star Votto wins 3rd straight O’Neill award
ST. MARYS, Ont . – Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto is the winner of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill Award for the third straight year. The award is given to the Canadian player judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseball’s highest ideals. Votto, an all-star first baseman from Toronto, had a .337 batting average with 14 homers and 56 RBIs last season.
Major-leaguers Scott Diamond, Ryan Dempster, Justin Morneau, Brett Lawrie, Russell Martin, Jim Henderson and Michael Saunders were also considered by Hall voters and online supporters.
Jays voice Cheek earns Hall of Fame 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 regular-season and 41 post-season games in Blue Jays history, beginning with Toronto’s inaugural season in 1977.
He has been one of the 10 finalists for the Frick award every year starting in 2005.
Canadian Jason Bay inks one-year deal with Seattle
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., hopes 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 with the Mets and played only 288 games in three years with them.