Right Off Russell

Hayden Penn was hit hard in his latest spring training appearance, yesterday.  Penn’s latest struggles lead me to believe that his shot at making the Oriole rotation to start the season are all but gone.  He may have even pitched himself off the team.  At this point Penn has been unable to regain the form that made him the Orioles top pitching prospect just 3 short years ago.  The Orioles are now faced with the decision of seeing if Penn can work out some of the kinks in the bullpen, or designating him for assignment and hoping no other teams claim him off waivers.  At this point Penn may easily clear waivers.

I am frustrated for the guy because it seemed like everything was lining up right for him to grab a starting role.  Either he has not regained the arm strength, after a series of injuries,  to cut it at the major league level, or his talent was over valued to begin with.  In fairness to Penn he has not gotten a regular look as a starter this spring.  The O’s have battled weather and the need to spread innings and starts around because of the sheer number of pitchers in camp this spring.  My hope is that Penn can right the ship.  It would be gratifying to see a young O’s arm live up to potential.

The Orioles also informed top prospect C Matt Weiters that he was going to be optioned to AAA Norfolk on Monday.  This move is not a big surprise as the front office has stated time and again their preference to see Weiters get more seasoning before breaking in with the big club.  Weiters, however, performed at a very high level this spring, leaving fans to think that he is ready.  And if Weiters is ready, why delay the inevitable? 

Lack of readiness for the big leagues is not the only reason Weiters is being sent down.  The Orioles seem bent on delaying Weiters service time clock.  You cannot really blame them since Weiters, a Scott Boras client, is likely to test the free agent waters when his time comes.  Sending Weiters down to start the season would give the club an extra year of control over Weiters’ contract rights.

Is Hayden Penn a lost cause that I do not want to let go of?  And are the Orioles making the right move in delaying the arrival of Matt Weiters?