It has been a while since Russell Martin played thirdbase or second base yet he will try to play shortstop during the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Martin, 30, has never played a game at shortstop.
“It’s not an easy decision,” Martin said. “I’m doing it because I feel I owe it to the Canadian people to compete for my country, even if I have more of a world citizen-type attitude where I feel like we’re all in it together overall. It’s fun to compete. It makes for good baseball. People play for the passion.”
Martin says the Pirates have been supportive of him playing in the WBC even as the catcher attempts to play shortstop.
On team Canada’s roster he will join Justin Morneau, Brett Lawrie, Michael Saunders, John Axford, Jesse Crain and Jameson Taillon.