Joey Votto made sure his knee healed before he made his decision to play for national pride.
The Reds' firstbaseman and 2010 Most Valuable Player announced that he will join Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic on Thursday.
Votto will not play against the Reds when the Canadian team plays the Reds Wednesday night.
"I want to say, I'm sorry to any of the fans if this affected their plans in any way," Votto said.
"I've had some former coaches of mine that I'm very close with still that canceled their trip because of my uncertainty."
Votto tested the knee that endured two operations and cost him 48 games last season. Votto has played in eight of the 11 Reds' games this spring, going 6-for-16 with a home run and two doubles.
"I look forward to playing for the team. I look forward to being part of the tournament. I had a great time last time," Votto said. "I never got to play in the Olympics. This is the next best thing."
Votto feels confident that his knee is sound.
"I wanted to make sure that I was ready for the Reds and my primary commitment and to prepare to be a part of a championship team in 2013," Votto said.
Votto expects to be a designated hitter and share time with Justin Morneau at firstbase.
"I'd imagine I'll share time with another Most Valuable Player," Votto said.
Votto recieved support from Reds' owner Bob Castellini, general manager Walt Jocketty and manager Dusty Baker.
"If he's ok, I'm all for it," Baker said. "If he's not ok, he's not going to say he's ok. The way I look at it Joey is like a national treasure. You want to be able to always go home. Joey's the main man."
Votto played for Canada in the 2009 WBC in Toronto.
"I had a great time in Toronto in 2009. I hope we have a better time and do some winning," said Votto, who enjoyed sleeping in his own bed at his mother's house then. "I took the Go train in the stadium where I grew up watching baseball. That stadium inspired me to play baseball. I haven't had too many opportunities like this."
The Canadian team was eliminated after two games in 2009 but Votto doesn't think that it makes a difference in this year's Classic.
"I would imagine with the two straight losses the Canadian baseball people were a little embarrassed. I know I was pretty disappointed but we're playing good competition. You do the best you can. I don't care about the past tournament. I'm just going to try to play well and help my team win the tournament."
Canada is in Pool D and opens with Italy on March 8 at Salt River Field at Talking Stick at 2:30. They play Mexico at Chase Field on March 9, then play the United States on March 10 at Chase Field, where he will play against Reds' teammate Brandon Phillips.
If Canada advances they play in Marlins Park on March 12.
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| Professionally edited by ML Schirmer for proof reading services call 513-240-3120 |
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