Canada qualifies for 2013 WBC

NEW YORK — Chris Robinson, Adam Loewen and Jimmy Van Ostrand smacked home runs to lead Canada over Germany 11-1 on Monday to win a four-nation qualifying tournament for next year's World Baseball Classic.

Canadian pitcher Andrew Albers allowed the hosts only one hit in six innings for the victory in advancing to the 16-team field for next March's global showdown of top talent, including North American Major League Baseball players.

Also advancing from a qualifying tournament was Spain, which edged Israel 9-7 in 10 innings to advance at Jupiter, Florida. South Africa and France were eliminated there while Britain and the Czech Republic were ousted in Germany.

Taiwan and Panama are set to host qualifying events in November to decide the final two teams in the tournament.

New Zealand, Thailand and Philippines will challenge Taiwan in Asia, while Panama will host Nicaragua, Colombia and Brazil.

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Nash hired as Canada basketball GM

TORONTO — Steve Nash has dreamed of managing the Canadian men's basketball team since he was a young point guard running its offense.

He didn't envision that day would come so soon.

Canada's biggest basketball star was hired as general manager of the Canadian men's senior team Tuesday, accepting the role despite the fact he still has a job in the NBA.

The point guard of the Phoenix Suns, who will be a coveted free agent this NBA offseason, said the opportunity to help what might be the most talented group of young players the country has ever produced was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

"It really is a beautiful thing to see our kids and the game grow and the talent continue to reach new heights; it's amazing," Nash said at a news conference at Air Canada Centre. "I have a lot of excitement generated for the young kids in this country, many of which are making a name for themselves already, and many of which are coming up behind them."

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