17 CANADIANS MAKE OPENING DAY ROSTERS

To open the 2011 MLB baseball season there will be 17 Canadians on the rosters. In 2010 a total of 21 Canadians played in the big leagues so that number should be easily broken this year.

Ryan DempsterChicago Cubs – Ryan Dempster – (Sechelt, B.C.) – starting pitcher

Mark TeahenChicago White Sox – Mark Teahan (Canadian citizen) – 3rd base, Jesse Crain (Toronto, ON) – reliever

Cincinnati Reds – Joey Votto (Toronto, ON), 1st base

Kansas City Royals – Jeff Francis (Vancouver, B.C.) – starting pitcher

LA Dodgers – Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, B.C.) – reliever

George KottarasMilwaukee Brewers – George Kottaras (Toronto, ON) – catcher, John Axford (Simcoe, ON) – reliever

Justin MorneauMinnesota Twins – Justin Morneau (New Westminster, B.C.) – 1st base

NY Mets – Jason Bay (Trail, B.C.) – outfield, Mike Nickeas (Vancouver, B.C.) – catcher

NY Yankees – Russell Martin (Toronto, ON) – catcher

Oakland A’s – Rich Hardon (Victoria, B.C.) – starting pitcher

Philadelphia Phillies – Peter Orr (Newmarket, ON) – 2nd base

Erik BedardmikesaundersseattleSeattle Mariners – Mike Saunders (Victoria, B.C.) – outfield, Erik Bedard (Navan, ON) – starting pitcher

Washinton Nationals – Matt Stairs (St. John, NB) – outfield

EN