January 30, 2013
Blue Jays’ Third Baseman, Brett Lawrie, made a rehab start with the Lansing Lugnuts on September 6th, 2012. (MLive.com)
Last season, on September 6th, the Lansing Lugnuts’ took advantage of a rare opportunity to have Blue Jays’ third baseman Brett Lawrie in their lineup. Lawrie was rehabbing an oblique injury and made the trip to Michigan to take part in the Lugnuts’ playoff game versus the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
While a rehab assignment might feel like business as usual for Lawrie it was a great opportunity for prospects to play and learn from a player with major league experience. Lansing Lugnuts’ right-fielder Chris Hawkins stated that he was looking forward to join the Major League third baseman for the game. “I’m excited for the chance to play a game with Brett Lawrie” Hawkins told JaysProspects, “It’s not every day we get the opportunity to play a game with a player of his caliber.”
While the Lugnuts’ lost 9-6, Lawrie played a solid game going 3-for-4 with a triple, a RBI and a run scored on the game. The solid performance would be Lawrie’s final minor league game before re-joining the Blue Jays in September but before he could leave he gave some insight into the league, “The Midwest League is a good league, but it is also a tough league because you have to travel park-to-park by bus.” Lawrie said of the league where he began his professional career with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2009. “While the travel is a little tougher, that’s okay because it is a fun league especially in the summer time because you get a lot of fans.”
Originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1st round (16th overall) of the 2008 MLB draft the British Columbia native spoke highly of the experience and the impact it played on his family, “The draft experience was a lot of fun.” Lawrie explained, “It was something we had never been through before, but it was great to share it with my family and friends. We had over 100 people at my house. It was a great experience!”
Drafted as a second baseman and catcher by the Brewers, the young third baseman talked about his transition to third and playing multiple positions growing up in Langley, British Columbia, “I was drafted as an infielder and catcher.” Lawrie said, “I played second base in the Brewers organization, but when I was traded to the Blue Jays they needed me to play third base due to a need at that position. I’ve been there ever since.”
The transition has been an easy one for Lawrie who spoke briefly about his versatility, “Growing up I played a little bit everywhere. I even pitched a little! Basically, anywhere they needed me, I played!”
Brett Lawrie said he loves coming home and playing for the fans in Canada and has highly enjoyed playing with the Toronto Blue Jays (photo credit: The Toronto Star)
While Lawrie has quickly become a fan favorite in Toronto he spoke about players he looked up to when he was young, “Growing up I liked all the regular guys. I looked up to Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and other players like them. Anybody who could play at the highest level I followed and I tried to simulate what they did at a young age and see where it would take me as I got older.”
Lawrie was acquired by the Blue Jays on December 6th, 2010 in a deal that sent right-handed pitcher Shaun Marcum to the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal also sent right-handed pitcher Carlos Villanueva to Toronto, “Being traded to Toronto was a good opportunity for me to get a new jump start to my career.” Lawrie said, “It was a great opportunity for me to try something new and it has worked out ever since.”
Speaking highly about the trade that sent him to Toronto, Lawrie discussed what it is like being Canadian and playing for the Blue Jays, “Without a doubt, it is a lot of fun,” he said. “The fans are great and I get to hear my National Anthem every day.”
“It always feels good getting back to Canada and smelling that fresh air and knowing you’re home.”