Sox sign Brad Penny

In an effort to bolster their starting rotation, the Red Sox have reportedly signed veteran RHP Brad Penny to a one-year contract. According to Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald, the deal would pay Penny a base salary of $5 million, with the potential to earn $3 million more if he pitches at least 160 innings. Penny, 29, made only 17 starts last season due to shoulder injuries, although he did not require surgery, producing a 6-9 record, a 6.28 ERA and 51 strikeouts to go along with 42 walks in 94.2 innings pitched.

The Red Sox will be hoping Penny returns to his 2007 form, when he was an All-Star and posted a 16-4 record with a 3.03 ERA in 208 innings pitched. Penny struck out 135 batters that year while walking 73, and gave up only 9 home runs all season. Penny owns a 94-75 record with a 4.06 ERA, 1032 strikeouts and 475 walks over his 9-year career with the Florida Marlins and L.A. Dodgers. He will likely compete with Justin Masterson and Clay Buchholz for the final spot in Boston's starting rotation alongside Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Tim Wakefield.

Tweet