Russ Martin, Jeff Francis and Erik Bedard established themselves as stars in the big leagues last season, and this year Rich Harden could become the next Canadian to make the jump.
A handful of scouts and baseball executives polled informally see big things in 2008 for the Oakland Athletics' right-hander from Victoria.
Derailed by injuries the past three seasons, Harden is finally healthy and, according to those in the know, looks ready to make good on his oodles of potential.
"I think Rich, if he stays healthy, has a chance to win a Cy Young," a baseball executive said. "Health is the issue with him, but if he stays healthy, he's got the stuff to lead the majors in strikeouts."
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- Baltimore Orioles
- Boston Red Sox
- Chicago Cubs
- Washington Nationals
- Jason Bay
- Erik Bedard
- Ryan Dempster
- Jeff Francis
- Rich Harden
- Shawn Hill
- Adam Loewen
- Justin Morneau
"He's got front-of-the-rotation stuff, a plus fastball, a plus breaking ball," a scout adds. "It's all there. He just needs to stay healthy."
Harden's season got off to a good start yesterday when he threw six innings of one-run ball in a 5-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Tokyo. He struck out nine, working over batters with an overpowering fastball, nasty splitter and changeup.
Harden's emergence wouldn't be a big surprise, as he's shown the ability to dominate since making his debut in 2003. An impressive 11-7 season with a 3.99 ERA in 2004 suggested big things were on the way, but he hasn't pitched a full season since.
The 26-year-old made just four starts last season.
"Everybody's only seen glimpses," another scout said. "If the stars align and he stays healthy, he can have a Cy Young-type season. His makeup and his stuff make me think he's going to have that kind of season."
Another star-crossed pitcher who could be on the cusp of a big year is Washington Nationals starter Shawn Hill of Georgetown, Ont. Hill has battled health problems since tendon-transplant surgery in 2004 and was emerging as an ace last year, going 4-5 with a 3.42 ERA in 16 starts for the woeful Nats, before the injury bug struck.
It's back this spring, as he's on the disabled list with mysterious forearm pain.
Baltimore Orioles left-hander Adam Loewen of Surrey, B.C., is another tantalizing talent trying to put the injury bug behind him. He missed most of last season with a stress fracture in his forearm and has pitched through some shoulder pain this spring, struggling at times with his command.
Last year's breakout Canadians, meanwhile, are facing different challenges in 2008.
Martin, the Los Angeles Dodgers' catcher from Chelsea, Que., was an all-star starter but faded in the second half.
Francis, the Colorado Rockies' ace from North Delta, B.C., will, along with his teammates, try to prove that last season's miraculous run to the World Series was no fluke. He went 17-9 with a 4.22 earned-run average and was the foundation of Colorado's pitching staff.
Bedard, the ace lefty from Navan, Ont., begins life in the majors anew after being dealt to Seattle from the rotting mess in Baltimore. He was a Cy Young candidate last year until a strained muscle near his ribcage ended his campaign early.
New tests, meanwhile, await Canada's two biggest baseball stars, Justin Morneau and Jason Bay.
Morneau, the Minnesota Twins' first baseman from New Westminster, B.C., finds himself filling some of the leadership void created by centre fielder Torii Hunter's off-season departure. With the Twins in the midst of a retooling, Morneau will have to carry more of the load now and expectations for him will be higher after he signed an $80-million (U.S.), six-year contract extension.
Bay, the Pittsburgh Pirates' left fielder from Trail, B.C., is trying to rebound from a down year caused in part by tendinitis in his right knee. A strong start will likely turn him into trade bait, as the Pirates hold hopes of contending but probably need to begin rebuilding. The strong return Bay may fetch them leads some to believe his days in Steeltown are numbered.
Chicago Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster of Gibsons, B.C., is taking on a new role this season, moving back to the starting rotation after spending the last three-plus seasons as a closer. He won 15 games as a starter for the Marlins in 2001.
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