(AP)While dozens of major leaguers are avoiding World Baseball Classic duty because it takes them out of their comfort zone, Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin wants to double his challenge on the Canadian team.
Get this: The 30-year-old Ontario native tells Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports that he plans to play shortstop for the national team when it begins play on March 8 against Italy.
Martin has 910 big league games under his belt and 894 of them have started with him behind the plate. Fifteen have come at third base and one featured Martin playing second. But never has he played a game at shortstop, despite beginning his minor league career as a third baseman.
No matter. Martin wants to help out his country now that Canada's supply of shortstops is running as low as its recent supply of Stanley Cup-winning teams. Indeed, Canada's roster does not feature a single player with extensive experience at the position.
Read More »from Russell Martin wants to play shortstop for Canada in the World Baseball Classic, not catcher