Today the St. Louis Cardinals signed the often injured starting pitcher Matt Clement. The Pittsburgh Pirates were rumored to be Clement’s likely 2008 team yesterday, but surprisingly the Cardinals’ offer of 1.5 million over one year was enough to get Matt to sign with St. Louis. Clement can also receive a bonus of 5.25 million dollars in incentives.

Over his 9 year career Clement has played with 4 different teams and compiled an 87-86 record. The last Clement pitched was in 2006, with the Boston Red Sox. Clement threw just 65.3 innings in a year filled with injuries.

“Matt is a very talented pitcher who has been beset by injury the last few years,” said Cardinals Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “Based on our findings from his rehabilitation last season and his recent physical, we feel that he can be a solid addition to our starting rotation and should have no limitations upon reporting to Spring Training.”

This is a good deal for the Cards, there’s little to no risk with a possible high reward. Clement’s always had good stuff but whether he can have a successful season at this point in his career has yet to be seen. The Cardinals certainly hope that the former American League all star can regain his form and help their 2008 rotation.