The Red Sox have once again tapped the seemingly inexhaustible pool of has-beens and DL addicts to replenish their pitching staff.
Brad Penny was signed to a one year deal worth $5 million, and potentially more if he reaches certain incentives. Penny was sidelined with tendinitis for most of the 2008 season. When he did make it to the mound, it was even more painful. He was 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA
However, he's only a year removed from back-to-back 16 win seasons. But at the same time, he's never been a consistent pitcher, healthy or unhealthy.
After the Yankees signed away Kevin Cash, the Red Sox were compelled to acquire a back-up catcher. They signed Ithaca's Josh Bard. You may remember Bard being acquired in 2006, then traded for Doug Mirabelli right before a Tim Wakefield start.
Bard hit .202 for the Padres in '08, playing in only 57 games.
Maybe I'm just in a bad mood because Patriots season is over, but both of these moves irritate the piss out of me. Another question mark riddled starter a la Bartolo Colon. And a .202 hitter to back-up the .220 hitting starting catcher.
Source:
WBZ