Matt Clement is an interesting rehab project. The 33-year old had rotator cuff and labrum surgery, and was last seen topping out at 87 in September. With the right strengthening work, plus the National League, he could be a nice surprise in 2008.
I’m sure he wants to start, so there wouldn’t be a fit with the Red Sox. Nick Cafardo says the Padres and Royals are in on him so far. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Nationals get involved. I think Clement will land in San Diego with $2-3MM guaranteed and maybe another $3MM in incentives. He came up through the Padres’ system, taking his lumps before being traded for Mark Kotsay. He’s going to have to reinvent himself as a finesse guy with good control. Wade Miller was a somewhat similar case; he wasn’t able to do it.
