Short hops

• Team Canada will play two exhibition games prior to Friday's pool-play opener. Canada plays the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday in Maryvale, Ariz., and the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday in Goodyear, Ariz.

• Team Canada's lineup is partially set. Outfielder Tyson Gillies will lead off, with Votto batting third, Morneau batting fourth, third baseman Brett Lawrie batting fifth and outfielder Michael Saunders batting sixth. The other spots in the order will be worked out in the exhibition games.

• Baltimore Orioles farmhand Chris Robinson will be Canada's starting catcher during the tournament. Pittsburgh's Russell Martin was supposed to assume that role, but he backed out on Feb. 24 due to the rigors of catching. He wanted to play shortstop in the Classic, an idea Team Canada and the Pirates weren't keen on.