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Clement excited by progress

ST. PETE - Matt Clement has pretty much become a resident of Florida, spending the entire season down here (mostly Fort Myers) rehabbing an extensive shoulder surgery.

Clement said he's reached the stage where he's ready to throw to hitters in a game, but is letting the Sox medical staff dictate when that will be exactly. The problem is time is running out on the minor league season and Clement would then be limited to instructional league. There's always a chance the Sox could spread their lead and allow Clement to pitch for them in September, but that decision will be based on where the Sox are in the standings and whether the medical staff feel he's ready to pitch at that level.

In other news:

* Terry Francona feels he will likely give Manny Ramirez Wednesday off as part of his rotating rest of players.

*The Sox were finishing up their fantasy football draft yesterday.

* Doug Mirabelli's sore ankle is still in a boot and is not with the team. He's expected to join the Sox sometime on this trip - perhaps in New York when he can begin working out...

*Francona said he wishes old players like Joel Pineiro and Wily Mo Pena, two ex-Sox who are doing very well with the Cardinals and Nationals, respectively, good fortune in their new settings.