Lefthander Mark Mulder came to St. Louis this week for a scheduled checkup on his surgically repaired shoulder, and the Cardinals were encouraged by what his progress means for when he heads to Florida. Mulder met with team doctor George Paletta and trainer Barry Weinberg on Wednesday. General Manager John Mozeliak called the report on Mulder's recovery from his second shoulder operation in 13 months "very positive." Mozeliak said the Cardinals anticipate Mulder will be throwing in January and "ready to throw off the mound at spring training."