BALTIMORE – Brett Lawrie was approaching his big-league debut for the Toronto Blue Jays with both excitement and a sense of calm.
The much-hyped third baseman from Langley, B.C., joined his new teammates at Camden Yards for Friday’s contest with the Baltimore Orioles.
The 21-year-old was called up Thursday afternoon, setting up one of the most eagerly anticipated debuts in franchise history. He got the news earlier that morning from triple-A Las Vegas manager Marty Brown before making his way across the U.S.
"He said, `They’re calling you up, try to keep it off Twitter as best you can,’" Lawrie said with a grin. "So I did, went to the ball field, packed my stuff up, came back, packed my bag, and before you know it I was in Baltimore. …
"It feels pretty good, it’s been a long time coming."
Expectations are sky-high for Lawrie, who says he won’t let that affect his game.
"I’m no saviour," he said. "I’m here to play baseball and do what I’ve always done which is go out and compete and help the ball club win."
Lawrie will bat out of the No. 9 spot when he starts at third base.
