Canada would prefer to have major leaguers at every position as the country competes in the third World Baseball Classic this spring. Right now, the team doesn't have a major league shortstop, a crucial position on the diamond.
Russell Martin wants to solve that problem. The problem is that Martin is a major league catcher.
Even when catchers move to other positions, shortstop isn't on that list. Hall of Famer Johnny Bench played 1st base, 3rd base, left field, and right field, but not shortstop. Craig Biggio moved from catcher to second base, which is like shortstop, but not really.
Martin has played 15 games at 3rd base and 1 game at 2nd base in his major league career, but played shortstop in high school and college.
Canada's other major league catcher is George Kottaras, so Martin would be available to move around. The team has been traditionally weak up the middle in the infield in the World Baseball Classic, so moving around other players doesn't do much good for the team. Crazy idea? Absolutely. Until Canada develops stronger 2nd basemen and shortstops, a catcher may lead the way.
Martin signed a free-agent deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates last week. The Pirates might not be thrilled to have their brand new catcher playing shortstop for Canada.
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Canada will play in Pool D along with the United States, Mexico, and Italy in Phoenix, Arizona. The games will take place at Chase Field and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
Canada had to qualify last fall to make the pool, so this might be why the team is the "road" opponent in two of the three games. Canada will hit first against Italy and Mexico in the first two games, but will bat last against the United States in the final game.
Games will air in the United States on the MLB Network. Times listed are Eastern time.
Canada's 2013 World Baseball Classic schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| March 8 | @ Italy | 2:30 pm |
| March 9 | @ Mexico | 2:30 pm |
| March 10 | United States | 4 pm |
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Each country has announced a couple of names for the roster. The rest of the roster will be announced in January. In the meantime, we know Canada will feature 1st baseman Justin Morneau (Minnesota Twins) and 3rd baseman Brett Lawrie (Toronto).
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Douglas McArthur said "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away." Well, old Canadian baseball players end up managing and coaching the Canadians in the World Baseball Classic.
Ernie Whitt once again will manage the Canadian team, as he did in 2oo6 and 2009. Larry Walker (hitting/1st base) is the best-known of the Canadians on Whitt's staff. Former major leaguers Denis Boucher (pitching), Paul Quantrill (bullpen), and Stubby Clapp (coach) also highlight the coaching staff. They will be joined by former minor leaguers Tim Leiper (3rd base), and Greg Hamilton.
You might remember Clapp from playing 2nd base in the first WBC in 2006. He also represented Canada in the Pan American Games and the 2004 Summer Olympics, where Canada finished in fourth place.
Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon, U.S. Presswire
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