Two of the league’s most prominent Canadians sounded off in recent days– Dominion-style: 

First off, Jason Bay, the pride of Trail, British Columbia, sounds really excited for 2008.

“I said I think it’s pretty obvious that this group of guys is not going to get it done,” Bay said Friday. “Some people think if we get to .500, that would be great and that would be a nice pat on the back. As a player, that’s not very comforting - ultimately your goal is to get to the playoffs and win a championship. If you look at the team right now, I don’t know if we’re set up to be a championship team.

I feel sorry for the Pirates. They have potentially a great fan base, play in what many believe to be the best park in baseball, and have a long, well-respected history. They also have just about the cheapest owner in baseball in baseball in Kevin McClatchy, under whom the Pirates have never had a winning season.

Another Canadian was out bitching in the media this week. Mr. Eric Bedard, who, much like Joann Santana has been the subject of daily trade rumors for a solid three months.

“If they don’t want me, [a trade] is the best thing to do,” Bedard said in a phone interview with The Sun. “Obviously, they don’t want to keep me because there are a lot more talks [about] trading me than signing me. What am I supposed to do?”

Tis true. Another mismanaged franchise sending another Canadian star to the brink. If I was a GM I would be terrified of trading for Eric Bedard. His talent level is actually not that far from Santana’s, but he’s never thrown 200 innings in a season and he’s missed at least three starts in each of the last four years due to injury. That kind of talent is oh, so tempting though. Baltimore wants a king’s ransom in return, however.