All indications were that Brad Penny simply needed not to implode in his final spring training outing Thursday against Minnesota in order to secure the final rotation spot on the Red Sox. He did not disappoint, allowing three runs in five innings in the Sox's 7-3 loss.
Michael Cuddyer did most of the damage, driving in all three runs on a triple and a double. Penny struck out three and walked none, facing 19 batters and exiting with the game tied.
Penny's strong control and ability to make it through five innings are sure signs he will be named the fifth starter to begin the 2009 season. It would have taken a major setback for Clay Buchholz to overtake Penny for the spot.
Buchholz will start the 2009 season in the minor leagues despite a very strong spring bid to make the rotation. He will be the primary spot-starter and would become the fifth starter should another pitcher suffer a serious injury.
Other highlights of today's Red Sox game include Jason Bay, who hit his fourth home run of the spring, and Rocco Baldelli, who doubled in a pinch-hitting role.
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