TORONTO

Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista hasn't been paying close attention to the team Kevin Hart is bringing with him to the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game this Friday. That's because his own Team Canada, which he'll coach with Drake and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, has a secret weapon: Milos Raonic.

"I don't know much about him," Bautista tells Postmedia Network when asked about Creed star Michael B. Jordan -- one of Hart's starters. "But I know we have Milos and he's pretty tall. So hopefully he'll grab all the rebounds."

Team Canada also has the edge thanks to its coaches.

"That's obvious," he says with a laugh. "That's a pretty simple answer ... we also have two former players (Tracy McGrady and Rick Fox) and Nash is going to be coaching. But I still think Milos will be our surprise."

We caught up with Bautista before he heads to Toronto for the all-star festivities. Here's some more of what he had to say.

Q: Toronto has the world's biggest sports stars all in our city at once (next) weekend, what are some of the city's restaurants you'd recommend they try out?

A: It depends on their mood, but I'm a big fan of steakhouses, so Barberian's and Jacobs. There's a bunch of other good spots... Sotto Sotto is always good for Italian food.

Q: OK, put on your city-guide hat. What touristy things should the NBA stars visit?

A: I think everyone owes it to themselves to go to the CN Tower. The (Ripley's) aquarium is also great to visit. I'd also suggest the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Q: During the baseball season, the players are pretty busy, so what are you looking forward to most during all-star weekend?

A: Just having fun and being back in the city. I've been away for a month or so. I've been back after the season was over a few times and it's always nice to be back and see all my friends and the people that I constantly keep in touch with in the city.

Q: It's been 25 years since Major League Baseball hosted an all-star game in Toronto. Do you hope we get an MLB all-star game here anytime soon?

A: That would be great. I don't see why not. It's been a long time and there's no reason why we shouldn't be able to. There's a solid fan base and it seems warranted.

Q: I know you're a big Heat fan, so who are you going to cheer for if the Raptors end up playing Miami in the NBA playoffs this year?

A. Let's worry about that when the time comes -- if it comes. But I have to be real to myself. I can't lie, I'm not fake -- I'm a Heat fan. So if it happened, I'd have to root for the Heat. I grew up watching the Heat on TV and started following them a long time ago ... Even though I'd love to root for the Raptors, I'd have to remain true to my feelings of being a fan of the Heat.

Twitter: @markhdaniell

mark.daniell@sunmedia.ca