MLB's Canuck Connection: Brewers, Pirates Have Most Canadian Players

The two MLB teams with the most Canadian players in their organizations will face off the next two days.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates have seven Canadians each in their minor-league systems, according to a Northern News article. Neither team has a Canadian on the MLB roster, although R.J. Swindle of Vancouver is in Triple-A Nashville and was up with the Brewers earlier this season.

Brewers GM Doug Melvin and Assistant GM Gord Ash are both Canadians, and haven’t been shy about scouting and drafting north of the border since they joined the organization.

Here are the details on the Canadian Brewers (including four who are playing in Appleton):

—The Brewers have Langley, B.C.’s Brett Lawrie, a first round pick from 2008, along with London’s Brock Kjeldgaard, Kris Dabrowiecki, and Calgary’s James Henderson at Single-A Wisconsin.

—Vancouver’s R. J. Swindle is at Triple-A Nashville after being recalled by the Brewers. London’s Adam Stern is at Double-A Huntsville, and Port Dover’s John Axford is at Single-A Brevard.

UPDATE: As Tyler points out, pitcher Alex Periard of the Huntsville Stars is also from Canada. Huntsville Star Taylor Green, of British Columbia, is also not on the list.

That puts the Brewers at No. 1 in Canucks.