A Penny For My Thoughts

Brad Penny signs with the Detroit Tigers. For one year and $3million plus incentives. That's the kind of deal I was referring to when the free agent frenzy was going on. This was what i would call a smart signing. Not overpaying someone that might or might not be able to help. For once they spent money wisely.

Penny has been plagued by injuries for a lot of his career. But when he is healthy he can be very good. I know there are skeptics out there that will say he had his best years in the National League. I agree with that assessment. When he came to Boston he got shelled and was replaced by Tim Wakefield in the rotation. He ended that season with a 7-8 record and a 5.61 era. He pitched much better when he signed with the San Francisco Giants after being released by the Red Sox.

He gives the Tigers a solid number five starter and at best gives Armando Galarraga some competition at the back end of the rotation. I believe they'll give him the fifth starter's spot unless he proves he can't do the job. If he can't the Tigers don't get beat out of a lot of money. Penny is capable of being a number five starter, possibly a four. Best case scenario is that Penny is solid in the rotation, Galarraga is a capable long reliever and spot starter, and prospects Andy Oliver and Jacob Turner get more seasoning in the minors and aren't rushed. This could be one of the best steals of the offseason.