Penny Experiment Over

Just one year ago, Brad Penny started for the National League in the All-Star Game, while posting a 3.03 ERA and collecting 135 strikeouts over the course of thirty-three starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers. One year later, things have not gone according to plan for the one-time Cy Young candidate, as he went 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA in a season plagued by constant shoulder problems.

Now Penny is ineligible for postseason play, since the Dodgers put him on the 60-day disabled list in order to create a spot on the 40-man roster for shortstop Rafael Furcal.

But the question all Dodger fans are wondering today is whether Penny’s tenure with the Dodgers is nearing an end. After the season, management can buy out the $9.25-million option on his contract for $2 million. That is seven more million dollars that they can use to resign free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.

It’s unfortunate to see Penny’s Dodger career possibly end this way. Just one year ago, he was on the shortlist for the Cy Young, but now it seems as if Colletti isn’t even interested in bringing him back. In response to the rumors about a buyout, Penny told the Los Angeles Times:

“It just tells me they were never sold on me, which is fine.”

Sounds like a guy who is ready to get out of town.

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