From the latest PD article on him:

Mulder threw 70 pitches Tuesday, prompting manager Tony La Russa to ask if the lefty would soon be throwing to batters. "I was told nothing is imminent," La Russa said.
[...]

"I'll know when I'm ready (to throw to hitters)," Mulder said. "I feel like I'm still on the mound throwing, not really pitching. I'm not throwing to spots yet because I'm still in a spot where I'm not sure I can. I'm closer."

I understand that Mark Mulder is coming away from a very serious surgery to repair his shoulder.  A shoulder that his livlihood and career rest on.  I also have no illusions that Mark Mulder will 'Save Our Season'.

However, the man is being paid $5 M this year.  Perhaps it is just a prorated amount to be added to next year as single years salary split in two.

But the way he is quoted by the Post-Dispatch and by TLR's reaction, it seems that Mulder is dragging his feet.

I would be cautious with this teams medical staff.  Especially with what happened to Mulder last year.  He'd already be pitching again this year if he had just had surgery right off the bat.

Yet, I just get this feeling from what he is saying is that he is holding back.  If he isn't feeling discomfort in his shoulder when he pitches and is able to cut loose on 70 pitches (and 60 pitches the day before), why not break in say, 10 breaking pitches every 3 days to get the arm prepared for that?

LaRussa and Duncan seem to be saying without really saying anything that they too are wondering why Mulder isn't ready to face hitters yet.  Remember, this is a guy whose agent said he would be back on a mound in July for whatever team signed him.  That was clearly going to be false but even still, he should be moving forward, not staying in place.

Am I the only one reading it that way?