Canadians in the MLB

The big right-hander was called up from Triple-A in late August and held his own with the Phillies, even closing out a pair of games. He could find a roll near the back of the Phillies bullpen in 2013.

Axford had a season to forget, despite racking up 35 saves. While his strikeout numbers remained very high, he lost his closer's job for a period of time in July. He still has the stuff, so it's reasonable to expect a turn around in 2013.

It was another lost season for Bay. He missed 24 games with a concussion, but due to his ineffectiveness, he wasn't always in the starting lineup.

Bedard's 2012 season started with promise, but it steadily got worse with each passing month, leading the Pirates to release him late in August.

Crain's numbers for the ChiSox were good in 2012 when he was healthy. He fought a rib injury on-and-off throughout the season, but was a valuable member of the bullpen for the Sox, who only fell out of the AL Central race in the last week of the season.

It was a tale of two season for Dempster, who was acquired by the Rangers at the trade deadline at the end of July. His ERA with the Cubs was 2.25, but after the deal, he had a 5.09 ERA in 12 starts in Texas.

Diamond was one of the best starters on the last-place Twins throughout the year. He was suspended in late August for a pitch near the head of Rangers' slugger Josh Hamilton. Diamond has likely earned a spot in the rotation next season.

After a false start with the Reds organization in 2012, Francis wound up back in the bigs with his long-time club, the Rockies. He's no longer a top of the rotation starter, but he's a guy that can chew up some innings.

Green had two long stints with the Brewers during the 2012 season, but he was mostly a bench player.

Henderson was called up at the end of July and made the most of his long awaited shot in the Majors, racking up an impressive strikeout total and serving as a useful member of the Brewers bullpen.

Kottaras found himself going from a struggling Brewers squad to the eventual AL West winning A's after getting dealt on July 29. He's a useful backup catcher who has always been able to post a solid on-base percentage.

Lawrie's overall number weren't what they were in his rookie season, but his average ranked amongst the Jays' best everyday players for 2012. He missed time with an oblique injury in August.

Leroux was a September call-up after he spent most of 2012 rehabbing a right pectoral strain.

While his batting average has dropped in each of the last five seasons, Martin hit a career high 21 home runs for the AL East champion New York Yankees.

Morneau was mostly healthy in 2012 after struggling with concussion issues in 2010 and 2011. He'll look to build on his respectable 2012 showing next season as he looks to regain some of MVP form.

Nickeas split time behind the plate for the Mets in 2012 with starter Josh Thole.

Orr hit for a respectable average when called upon during Chase Utley's prolonged absence.

Saunders emerged as the Mariners everyday centrefielder in 2012, posting career highs in every major offensive category. He's likely earned a starting spot with the Mariners for 2013.

Votto's numbers were still world-class, but he missed 48 games with a left knee injury, and in the 25 games after he returned, he failed to hit a home run. There's no reason to think that his power numbers won't return in 2013.