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?
