In 2.2 innings today against Florida, Penn allowed 7er, 5hits, with 3 walks, and 4 k’s.
Of those 5 hits, 3 were extra-base hits (2 doubles, 1 triple).
My own opinion is that 10-15 poor innings in Spring Training, do not mean more than Penn being 24 years-old, and having had a great deal of success at the AA, and AAA levels at ages 20, and 21.
There is nothing he has done this Spring, to make you think he is going to be successful as a Major League starter….
But there is nothing he has done, for him to not earn a spot on the roster.
Since you are holding your top-prospects down, you do not get rid of a player at Penn’s age, who has accomplished what he has previously.
Even with this outing, I would have no problem with him being the 5th starter to start the year.
I still think he can be a relatively competitive 5th starter, and a valuable addition to the bullpen in long-relief.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2009_03_26_flomlb_balmlb_1
Penn – Turns 25, on October 13th
2008 AAA Age 23 6-7 4.79 ERA 99.2 IP 110 hits 65 k’s 35 walks
2006 AAA Age 21 7-4 2.26 ERA 87.2 IP 71 hits 85 k’s 27 walks 5 homers
2005 AA Age 20 7-6 3.83 ERA 110.1 IP 101 hits 120 k’s 37 walks 11 homers
2009 Projected – 12 starts, 4-6, 4.50 ERA, 100 IP, 100 hits, 80 k’s, 44 walks
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.