Harden's name made Canada's list, but health concerns are putting his participation into serious doubt. The Chicago Sun-Times has reported that the Cubs right-hander from Victoria has a slight tear in his shoulder, and with $7US million committed to him in 2009, the NL Central champions aren't likely to be pleased if he pulls on the Maple Leaf jersey.

His absence from the final 28-man roster that's due Feb. 24 would be understandable under those circumstances, but Dempster's situation is a little tougher to explain.

The Cubs right-hander signed a $52US-million, four-year contract extension in November and sources say he pulled out because of a sense of responsibility to the team after getting the big contract. That's why he missed the 2006 event, as he had just agreed to a $15.5-million, three-year deal.

Last summer, Dempster explained that decision by saying, "I love where I'm from and I love the opportunity my country has provided me with, but at the same time I had to do the right thing for our team."

His absence combined with injuries that have already taken Erik Bedard, Shawn Hill and Scott Mathieson out of the mix, plus the uncertainty with Harden, leaves Canada's pitching very thin.

The Canadians host Pool C in the opening round at Toronto's Rogers Centre and begin play against the United States on March 7.

"We still face some challenges on the pitching side in trying to put together our staff," said Greg Hamilton, Baseball Canada's director of national teams. "(Dempster and Harden) are premier pitchers that are impact arms in this tournament.

"Those are huge losses if we don't have either one of them."

Jeff Francis of the Colorado Rockies will be the staff ace while Toronto Blue Jays hopeful Scott Richmond jumps up several sports 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 off young prospects. Minnesota Twins reliever Jesse Crain and free agent Eric Gagne will anchor the bullpen.