Rehab Report: Mulder, Clement Struggle In Memphis

The Cardinals have definitely faced their fair share of adversity when it comes to their starting pitchers this season.? But considering all the injuries, the starting rotation has done remarkably well in my opinion.? Two guys that have yet to even be on the pitching staff this season are Mark Mulder and Matt Clement, both of whom are in minor league rehab assignments in an effort to join the rotation at some point in the near future. Mark Mulder, after multiple poor outings for Memphis, altered his delivery and had some newfound confidence coming into his rehab outing last night with the Memphis Redbirds.? But new delivery or not, he had the same unsuccessful results as in his last stint with Memphis.? He allowed 6 runs in the first inning alone, and ended up allowing lasting 3 2/3 innings, giving up 6 runs on 10 hits and seeing his AAA ERA jump to 13.50.? His pitches lacked movement and for the first time in his comeback attempt, I am starting to really worry.? The reason for my worry is that up until now you could blame it on his arm and the surgery.? But he is throwing pain free now and just "doesn't seem to have it."? I am not saying he is done, but he is by no means going to be back in St. Louis until he figures things out here in Memphis. And then we have Matt Clement.? He had a couple of decent outings before being sent to Memphis for a start tonight against the Albuquerque Isotopes.? As I am writing this, it is the 3rd inning and Matt seems to be struggling as much as Mulder.? Through 2 2/3 innings, he has already given up 6 runs, walked 3, and given up 2 homeruns.? I remember when Clement was with the Cubs, but I do not remember much about his pitch speeds. He has hit either 82mph or 83mph 99% of the time tonight, with an occasional 75mph changeup.? That simply put, is not going to get the job done.? I would like to see him in the 90's and that has yet to happen.? But I will say this about Clement, he seems to be hiting his spots.? I think he is MUCH closer than Mulder.? This is pretty much spring training for Clement and you also have to remember he hasn't pitched in the majors in a long time. Long story short, the Cardinals would have loved to have an effective Mulder or Clement join their weary rotation.? But we don't have an effective Mulder or Clement at this point in time.? So for now, we will have to continue to get the job done with what we have. ? Luckily, we have some depth there.? I am very pleased with what Lohse, Looper, Pineiro, and Wellemeyer contribute, especially Wellemeyer.? And don't forget about Adam Wainwright, who has been excellent, until experiencing some finger issues that landed him on the DL along with Carpenter and company. Brad Thompson, after his start this week, was optioned back to Memphis and Mike Parisi was recalled.? Personally, I disagree with that move.? Thompson has much more experience and success at the major league level. All in all, I think the Cardinals and their pitching will be fine.? It is just obvious to me that an organization's pitching DEPTH is just as, if not more important than their rotation.? And as for Mulder and Clement, they will continue to work out their kinks here in Memphis.? And Clement, it seems, is much closer to doing that than Mulder.