Newest Dayton Dragons include another first baseman from Canada

Don’t look now, but the Dayton Dragons have another Canadian first baseman.

Will Bruce Yari be the next Joey Votto?

Well, that might be asking a lot, but one can dream.

Votto, of course, is the Cincinnati Reds’ $20 million man.

The 2010 National League MVP has made four All-Star appearances and hit 231 home runs for the Reds.

He’s a life-time .312 hitter over 700 RBIs in the majors.

Votto hit .302 with 14 homers and 72 RBIs (not to mention 79 walks) in 111 games for the Dragons in 2004 before earning a promotion.

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Thirteen years later, Yari is headed to the Gem City after being promoted from extended spring training on Monday.

The Reds chose Yari in the 24th round of the draft last June. Votto, a Toronto native, was a second-round pick of the Reds in 2002.

Like Votto, the University of British Columbia product bats left-handed. Unlike Votto, he also throws with his left.

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The two Canucks might have something else in common, too. While Votto’s patience at the plate is famous (infamous to some), Yari showed a good eye at BC, where he walked twice as often as he struck out (40-20) last season.

Along with Yari, the Dragons also announced the promotion of right-handed pitcher Carlos Machorro from extended spring training.

They replace RHP Patrick Riehl, who went on the disabled list, and infielder Avain Rachal, who was released.

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