"Aaron Cook is confident he has enough time to win a rotation spot. The clock offers a compelling argument against him.

Cook's inflamed right shoulder has responded to medical treatment, leaving him ready to play catch today and throw a bullpen session this week.

"Once I get off a mound, my arm strength usually comes back just like that," Cook said, snapping his fingers. "I couldn't even reach my arm to my belt strap a few days ago. I have no pain now."

The problem is the calendar. It will be almost impossible for him to reach 100 pitches — where starters need to be entering the season — without appearing in a game this week. Before Cook does that, he must throw two side sessions and face hitters.

Felipe Paulino is the clear favorite to take Cook's rotation spot if he opens the season on the disabled list. Paulino is scheduled to throw Tuesday in the split-squad game against the White Sox. He allowed a run in his last outing and was the most impressive pitcher nine days ago in an intrasquad game.

Paulino reaches 97 mph on his fastball. Scouts who have seen him regularly say damage control is the biggest issue when Paulino doesn't have his best stuff."