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Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto to play for Canada in World Baseball Classic
Joey Votto talks to the media at the Reds spring training camp in Goodyear, Ariz. Photo: Cincinnati Reds
Posted: 03/04/2013
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Reds first baseman Joey Votto says his knee feels fine and he's decided to leave spring training and play for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic.
Votto's decision is sure to raise concern with fans - and some team officials - who'd rather see him take it easy and not play in the competitive tournament so early this spring following last season's knee surgeries.
Nevertheless, the first baseman says he is completely recovered from his torn meniscus and he has been fully participating in the Reds' spring training in Arizona.
Votto is batting .375 with a home run in eight spring games for the Reds.
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reported Votto's decision on his blog: http://marksheldon.mlblogs.com/2013/03/04/votto-to-play-for-team-canada/
"I look forward to playing for the team," Votto said. “I look forward to being a part of the tournament. I had a great time the last time. I’m very grateful I’m on the team. It’s not very often you get to represent your country in a big tournament like this. I never got to play in the Olympics, this is the next best thing.”
Votto said Reds CEO Bob Castellini supported his decision to play in the WBC. Manager Dusty Baker said he trusts Votto's judgment.
Reds All-Star second baseman Brandon Phillips is also leaving the team this week to play for Team USA.
Team Canada is working out at Goodyear Ballpark this week, and Votto plans to join them Thursday. Votto said he will not play in the Reds-Team Canada exhibition game Wednesday night.
Votto and Phillips won't stray far from the Reds spring training site right away because the teams in Pool D - Canada, Team USA, Italy and Mexico - are playing their games in Phoenix. Canada plays Italy on Friday, Mexico on Saturday and the USA on Sunday. Team USA plays Mexico on Friday and Italy on Saturday.
The Pool D winner and runner-up advance to Miami March 12-16. The semifinals and championship are in San Francisco March 17-19.
Votto, a Toronto native, is the best player on Team Canada. He hit .556 with a homer in two games in the 2009 WBC.
He expects to play at first base and DH, splitting time with Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, Sheldon reported.
Read more about the World Baseball Classic: http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/index.jsp
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