"I'm going to be ready. I'm not even worried about it because I'd rather not have a week to think about, 'Oh gosh what team am I facing?' Just go out there and throw.''

Manager Ernie Whitt continues to play his cards close to the vest when discussing how he's going to slot his pitchers for the Classic, but a source says the team is leaning toward starting former Montreal Expo Mike Johnson in Saturday's opener versus the United States.

How everything else shakes out depends on the result of that contest, since the tournament is being played under a double knockout system.

Should the Canadians win that game, they'd come back with Richmond for a game Sunday against Venezuela, presuming it beats Italy in their opener Saturday. If they lose to the Americans, they'd likely go with either Vince Perkins, or perhaps Scott Diamond, for a must-win game against Italy, provided it loses to Venezuela, with Richmond saved for a game Tuesday to decide who advances to the second round, and who goes home.

"If you win that first game then you kind of have to go for that second game,'' said pitching coach Denis Boucher. "If you lose the first game, then you get the extra day off (before the second game), so you kind of have to switch things around.

"And you don't want to give a load to one or two guys early in the tournament so they can come back on short notice.''

Little wonder then that mapping out the pitching plans around the various usage limits and throwing programs is the top order of business for Canada in its three exhibition games in Florida. Such intense deliberations would not have been necessary if Canada had Ryan Dempster and the injured trio of Rich Harden, Jeff Francis and Erik Bedard, but in their absence, Richmond is their best bullet and must be used wisely.

He gave up two runs yesterday versus the Blue Jays, a team he's trying to make, in an outing where command of his fastball came and went, his changeup was ineffective but he was pleased with his slider.

"I came into camp with my arm able to handle it,'' said Richmond. "Russ (Martin) and I worked together good back there, he's a treat to throw to, so I'll be excited for whatever game I get to throw.''

Martin, the two-time Dodgers all-star, is a bit of an X-factor for the Canadians both with his bat and his glove. While his offence is self explanatory, his skill at handling pitchers could be crucial, particularly when youngsters take the mound with the pressure on.

But the Canadians must hope he's healthy enough to catch, as he's nursing a midfoot sprain suffered a couple of weeks ago. He caught three innings versus the Blue Jays and will have some limitations on his use behind the plate once play begins.

"Right now it's still just testing the waters, taking my time with it,'' said Martin. "I want to be careful for my career. At the same time, I'm taking the necessary precautions to make sure I'm as good as I can be when the tournament starts.''

Despite the injury, Martin came armed with detailed scouting information to use against opposing hitters. His ability to develop game-plans with pitchers may be essential.

"I brought the B.A.T.S. Program, we have video of the all the hitters in the National and American League,'' said Martin. "You try to look at their tendencies, especially for the younger guys who don't have that, it gives them a little helper, maybe takes away some of the unknown.''

Martin is also known to have the uncanny ability to settle pitchers with visits to the mound. Canadian pitchers like Diamond, Phillippe Aumont, Bryan Dumensil and Chris Leroux have never pitched above double-A, so the jump to the next level is a big one and Martin, or backup Luke Carlin, who is excellent defensively, may need to lend a hand.

The bullpen will also feature some experienced pitchers, including closer Jesse Crain, Pirates prospect Dave Davidson and veteran Steve Green, who will be counted on to get key outs at key times.

"Closing is one of the things that pushed me to get ready for this,'' said Crain, a set-up man for Joe Nathan with the Twins. "It's a great opportunity for me to close games out for the country I was born in.''

He just has to hope the other pitchers can do enough to give him the chance.

Notes

Corey Koskie, playing his first competitive game since suffering a concussion in 2006, went 1-for-2 with a double, walk, hit by pitch and three runs scored as the DH. Whitt said he'll play Koskie at third base today against the Phillies.

Perkins is set to start versus Philadelphia with Johnson, Brooks McNiven, Dumensil and Leroux slated to follow him..

Carlin and Pete Orr both hit two-run doubles for Canada. Aaron Matthews homered off Green in the eighth for the Blue Jays.