Brad Penny draws a lot of interest

After spending much of the 2008 season dealing with shoulder problems Brad Penny signed a one year deal with the Boston Red Sox for 5 million dollars. That marriage came apart on Wednesday when Penny asked the team to release him. The Red Sox agreed and now Penny is drawing big interest from other teams still locked in tight divisional races, and from teams looking to make a strong wild card birth run.

While Penny has shown a few flashes of brilliance his season long numbers really leave something to be desired. So far through 24 starts he was 7-8 with a 5.61 ERA. Not completely terrible but not up to the standards Penny has shown earlier in his career. However Penny has won just one of his last 11 starts, and so far in August he was 0-3 with a 8.31 ERA.

Penny seems eager to get a second shot with a team in the middle of a strong playoff run. He would like to sing a deal by the end of August so he would be eligible for post season rosters. Penny will clear waivers by Monday and if a team picks him up before that they would be liable for the one million dollars left on his Red Sox deal. If they wait till he clears waivers they can sign him for a pro rated amount of the Veteran minimum or some 85k.

Reportedly the Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Tamp Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers have all expressed some interest in Penny.