Harden questionable for World Baseball Classic

Fans attending Canada's first-round games in Toronto as part of this year's World Baseball Classic might be witness to high scores from both the home and visiting squads.

Manager Ernie Whitt will be handed an offence that includes 2008 American League most valuable player finalist Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins and slugging outfielder Jason Bay of the Boston Red Sox, but he won't have his dream pitching staff.

Washington's Shawn Hill and Seattle's Erik Bedard are ineligible for the 16-country tournament because of injuries, while Chicago Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster declined an invitation due to his responsibility to the team after signing a four-year contract worth $52 million US in November, sources suggested to the Canadian Press.

Cubs teammate Rich Harden was named to Canada's 45-man provisional roster on Monday, but might not be available when Canada opens the event March 7 against the United States because of health concerns.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported over the weekend that the Victoria native has a slight tear in his shoulder.

"We're trying to work things through with Rich Harden to see if we can create a comfort zone with him and the ball club," Greg Hamilton, Baseball Canada's director of national teams, told Toronto sports radio the FAN 590 on Monday.

"There's no definitive resolution yet but we're hoping that will happen."

The oft-injured Harden won five of his 12 outings as a Cub with a sparkling 1.77 earned-run average following a July 2008 trade from Oakland.

In October, he was told his sore shoulder would not require surgery, prompting Chicago management to exercise its $7-million US club option for the 2009 season.

"From a pitching perspective it's disappointing," Hamilton said. "Positionally, everybody that you would project to be on the team has committed and has an interest in playing. We're real excited about who we're going to have."

Morneau, coming off a 2008 campaign in which he batted .300 with 23 home runs and 129 runs batted in, will play first base along with Cincinnati's Joey Votto, whose 24 home runs were the most by a Reds rookie since Frank Robinson set the National League record with 38 in 1956.

Catchers Russ Martin and Luke Carlin, infielders Pete Orr, Chris Barnwell and Stubby Clapp, third baseman Mark Teahen, and outfielders Matt Stairs and Nick Weglarz are all on board.

"We're going to be competitive," Hamilton said. "We're going to be an impact offensive club."

On the mound, Colorado Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis — a 17-game winner in 2007 — was expected to be the staff ace but, according to The Toronto Sun, had trouble throwing from 50 feet on Friday and had to shut himself down.

That leaves Toronto Blue Jays hopeful Scott Richmond, who has quickly jumped up several spots on the depth chart.

National team stalwarts like Chris Begg, Mike Johnson, Steve Green and Eric Cyr will get serious consideration, as will a host of young prospects. Minnesota Twins reliever Jesse Crain and free agent Eric Gagne will anchor the bullpen.

"I'll do whatever the team needs me to do, whether it's relieving, or starting, or closing," Richmond said from Vancouver. "I am excited about getting a role where I can show my ability. It would be great, obviously, to have Ryan on the team, but now that he's not or whatever the case may be, the door is opened up."

Other familiar names on the provisional roster include: pitching prospects Phillippe Aumont (Seattle); Dave Davidson (Pittsburgh); Adam Stern (free agent); Pete Laforest (free agent); and Aaron Guiel (Yakult Swallows, Japan).

Teams must carry 13 pitchers on the final 28-man roster and they have usage restrictions during Classic games.

The tournament will run from March 5-23 in seven venues in four countries or territories, with the finals scheduled for March 23 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Team Canada will open training camp March 1 at Dunedin, Fla., after all members of the 28-man roster report to spring training with their major league clubs.

Pre-tournament games have been slated for March 3-5 against the Blue Jays, defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees.