On the sidelines of the World Baseball Classic, four Quebecers will be present. We are talking here about Phillippe Aumont, Édouard Julien, Otto Lopez and Abraham Toro.
The first is the only pitcher in the group. He will be in the bullpen to face the big hitters from the rest of the world.
Aumont no longer plays baseball in everyday life, but he is still up for representing his people on the international stage.
He is in a situation that is quite different from the other three. Position aside (they’re infielders, mostly), they’re early career guys.
Yes, Toro (Brewers) has a bit more MLB experience in Houston and Seattle, but Lopez only has nine games (Blue Jays) behind the tie in MLB. Julien (Twins) has not yet played in the AAA.
But all that to say that the three guys will not only participate in the Classic, but in addition, they will all three be starters in the infield.
Édouard Julien will take care of the second goal while Abraham Toro will find his third cushion. Otto Lopez will be the team’s shortstop.
Bo Naylor (receiver) and the great Freddie Freeman (first baseman) will accompany them. Nothing less.
Imagine the great experience they will pick up along the way. This will greatly help them in the future.
Note that Canada’s first game will take place on March 12. They will play four games in four days and if they finish in the top-2 of their division (USA, Mexico, Colombia and Great Britain), they will have a chance for a medal.
I can’t help but have a thought for Charles Leblanc (Marlins), our friend Paul’s colleague. He was supposed to participate in the Classic, but he will not be there, in the end.
I would really like to see the four guys (who will all have to fight for their positions) play in the Majors this year. That would be wonderful.
- James Paxton is getting better.
- A name to watch for a long-term contract in Tampa Bay: Curtis Mead.
- Can Kevin Gausman still improve?
- Santiago Espinal’s versatility helps.
