Matt Clement: Unlikely to be Ready by Opener -  2/18/2008 9:22:47 AM

Update:
Pitching coach Dave Duncan doubts Clement (shoulder) will be ready by Opening Day, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Recommendation:
After one standard bullpen session Sunday, Clement's schedule has been altered to build up his arm strength. Duncan stressed that he doesn't even know how far behind Clement is, but he didn't think he'd be ready to pitch at the Major League level when the season starts. If Clement were unable to start the season, Todd Wellemeyer, Brad Thompson, or Anthony Reyes - who are already competing for one spot in the rotation - would take his starts.