Joey Votto and Brett Lawrie look to put tough 2014 behind them after injury-plagued seasons

2014 was a tough year for two of Canada's top baseball players as both Joey Votto and Brett Lawrie endured frustrating injury-plagued seasons.

Votto, 31, was bothered by a strained left quadriceps and ultimately only played 62 games after he was placed on the DL for the second time in early July and stayed there until the end of the season. Votto had been targeting a September return to the Reds but Cincinnati GM Walt Jocketty decided against bringing his star first baseman back with the team already out of the playoff picture.

The injuries clearly affected Votto's play. One of the game's best offensive players over the last half-decade, his excellent on-base skills were still evident but his power numbers declined significantly. He only had 20 extra-base hits this season and just six were home runs.

The Blue Jays expected a big year from Lawrie but once again he couldn't stay on the field. Lawrie, 24, fractured a finger in late June and missed the next six weeks. In his first game back on August 5 he strained his oblique after one plate appearance, returned to the DL, and didn't play again for Toronto in 2014.

Votto and Lawrie are at different points in their careers. One is a veteran that's won an MVP and looking to get back to that level. The other, a young player still trying to find his place in the majors.

Together they can now look forward to Spring Training next February with the hope that better days are ahead in 2015.