WBC no-show Martin just taking Pirates' advice By BOB ELLIOTT, QMI Agency

Pirates catcher Russell Martin (left) chats with teammate Lucas May during spring training in Florida. (REUTERS) Russell Martin's WBC decision a letdown to Team Canada Russell Martin's WBC snub of Canada miffs Justin Morneau Russell Martin pulling out of WBC is big deal to Canuck teammates Russell Martin's selfishness hurts Team Canada

Every soap opera has a villain.

So in the case of Russell Martin not playing for Team Canada next month, is it:

A) The Pittsburgh Pirates, who told their expensive free-agent catcher that they did not want him playing shortstop?

B) Martin for wanting to play short?

C) Greg Hamilton, director of Baseball Canada national teams?

“Well it’s certainly not Greg,” said Martin Sunday afternoon. “The Pirates didn’t feel I should play short.