Via Bob Elliott, the Yankees have hired Denis Boucher to be their scout for Quebec and Eastern Canada, where they haven’t had one since 2005. Boucher has previously scouted for the Expos and Nationals, and B-Ref chronicles all of his coaching experience. The Yankees are apparently the only team without a Canadian player, majors or minors, so it’s good to see them get back up there.
As player development becomes more and more competitive, teams are looking at more unconventional sources of talent. The best draft eligible prospects from Canada this year are Evan Grills and Evan Rutckyj, both lefty pitchers from Ontario who are projected as 3rd-5th rounders. That doesn’t include University of Kentucky southpaw James Paxton, who has Canadian roots and should go in the top 20 picks. (h/t Steve)