Trio of Canadian-Born Players in Toronto Blue Jays’ Starting Lineup

Nov 20, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin puts on his new cap and jersey after being introduced at a press conference at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays had no intention of making roster moves based on a player’s birthplace. Yet, the lone Major League Baseball team in Canada has three players representing the United States’ friendly neighbor to the north.

Veteran catcher Russell Martin leads the way as the most experienced Canadian-born player on the 2015 roster. After hitting free agency, Martin inked a five-year $82 million contract with the Blue Jays. This comes after a year where he finished 13th in the National League MVP voting and was one of the biggest leaders for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Martin’s numbers are not exceptional by any means. He’s still a very good defensive catcher who if not for Yadier Molina probably would have a few more Gold Gloves to his name. Inserted into the Blue Jays’ lineup could, however, provide a boost to his offensive production. An Ontario native, Martin will give the Blue Jays a lot that cannot be translated into statistics. Young pitchers like Drew Hutchison and Marcus Stroman may benefit from working with him more than anything he can do with his bat.

At best, Martin is the fifth best hitter on the team behind Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Donaldson, and Jose Reyes in whatever order you think they belong. This will be a change from his last two seasons with the Pirates when other than Andrew McCutchen, Martin was one of the most depended upon players.

From the other side of Canada, born in British Columbia, outfielder Michael Saunders will take his first hacks in a Blue Jays’ uniform this season. Saunders had spent his entire career as a member of the Seattle Mariners before he was traded in December to Toronto for pitcher J.A. Happ.

The Mariners had been patient with Saunders for some time now. Not until 2014 was he able to finish the season with a batting average over .250 which is a big reason why he’s only hitting .231 for his career. The Blue Jays must be hopeful that Saunders playing half of his games at the much friendlier for hitters Rogers Centre will benefit him greatly.

Saunders’ role with the Blue Jays is a big one as the team has him slated to start in left field. Defensively, Saunders has played pretty well. However, in 2014 he played just one inning in left field. In fact, not since 2010 has he played the majority of games there as the Mariners often used him in center field and right field. Hopefully adjusting to left field is just like riding a bike—or in this case, just like playing anywhere else in the outfield.

Finally to round out the trio of Canadians is rookie Dalton Pompey. An Ontario native, the Blue Jays have him slated to start for them in center field.

Pompey’s toes are a little wet from the 2014 season where he did have 43 plate appearances. In the limited time, he hit .231 and got his first big league home run out of the way even though we shouldn’t expect him to hit too many in any given season.

For Pompey, the 2014 season was spent at High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. He climbed the minor league ranks quickly and only ended up with 12 games played at Triple-A. Overall at all three levels, Pompey hit .317 in 500 plate appearances. He also stole 43 bases and had a .392 OBP. Pompey probably won’t get the chance in 2015 to bat leadoff while Reyes is around, but it looks like he’s the future table setter.

If things work out phenomenally with these three Canadians on a team in Canada, maybe it will be worth it to call British Columbia native Jeff Francis up from the minors or get in contact with Ontarian free agent Erik Bedard.