BY SCOTT LAUBERNEW YORK -- So, in an earlier post, I wrote that I attended the Red Sox-Rangers game Friday night at Fenway. But I neglected to mention that Brad Penny got the start for Boston, and as you've probably heard, the Phillies have some interest in Penny. (It appears the asking price is Jason Donald.) Now, according to the furlough rules, I wasn't allowed to work, but your dutiful beat reporter couldn't simply shut off his mind completely. So, as I kicked back in the right-field grandstand, a beer in one hand and a Fenway Frank in the other, I jotted a few mental notes about Penny.
His final line -- 5-2/3 IP, 7 H, 5 ER -- didn't look good, but it also wasn't indicative of the way he pitched. Facing a dangerous Texas lineup, Penny yielded only one hit and one walk through four innings. He struck out three and allowed only one ball out of the infield, leaving me to think he'd be a nice addition to a Phillies rotation that, as we mentioned in the previous post, has been pitching much better over the past two weeks. But Penny, with help from shortstop Julio Lugo, gave up four runs in the fifth, a Rangers rally keyed by Ian Kinsler's homer over the Monster. One batter earlier, Lugo couldn't smother Elvis Andrus' two-out grounder in the hole. Ironically, the Sox would like to deal Penny for an upgrade at shortstop, and according to reports in the Boston papers last week, they've had their eye on Donald.
Personally, if I was Ruben Amaro Jr., I'd make that deal. Donald is blocked at shortstop by Jimmy Rollins, and some scouts believe he's best suited as a utility player at the major-league level. Presumably, Penny (5-2 with a 5.85 ERA this season) would bring some experience and stability to the rotation, and because he's a free agent after the season, he wouldn't require a long-term financial commitment. He pitched for Rich Dubee in Florida, so there's some familiarity there. Also, he has dated both Alyssa Milano and Eliza Dushku (pictured), thus earning my sincere admiration.
Your thoughts?
6 comments:
I'd go for Penny, but not for Donald. The Red Sox need to get rid of him, with to Smoltz coming back soon and Clay Buchholz in the minors dominating. Hope the Phils don't fall for it.
Would you rather have four very different lefties in the same rotation, as the Phillies do now, or would you rather deal for Penny and have three lefties and two Joe Blantons?
Good to have you back Scott.
Larry Bowa on Brad Penny's belief that Dodgers management questioned his 2008 injury: "Is this the same Penny that never went to meetings, that came late, left early, was never in shape, always had an excuse when things didn't go right, didn't help the young kids at all? Coaches get on players when they're lazy and don't work."
I'll take Larry's word for it. And the ever-increasing belt size of Penny over the past couple seasons helps reinforce that a little bit. Penny sounds like Cory Lidle all over again, and we see how much better the team performs without that kind of attitude prevalent in the clubhouse.
This penny is lying tails up--leave it alone--keep walking!
Zach: Thanks. Good to be back. Not sure about Penny's attitude, but that definitely will be a consideration. Amaro talked a lot about Raul Ibanez's character after the Phillies signed him. I'm sure they don't want to upset any clubhouse chemistry.
Jeff: Smoltz's impending return and Buchholz's triple-A dominance is the reason Penny is available. I'm not sure that should mean the Sox should get less for him, though.
MJRiley26: Three lefties and two Joe Blantons. Great way to put it.
If I was going to trade Donald, why not packing him in for Peavy? I rather have a pitcher who will be around for a years then a 1/2 season like Penny. Plus, Phils have other options avail in the trade.
No way I would give Penny for Donald. You mortgage your future for 1/2 season of worth.
Lastly, I say lets bring Donald up and send Jimmy down. See if he cant get something right hitting wise against AAA pitching. It worked out wonders for Brett last year.
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