The deal with Penny is believed to be worth $5 million, however he could end up making $8 million if he’s able to pitch more than 160 innings. While that amount of innings is doable for many starting pitchers, Penny is coming off of an injury ravaged season with Los Angeles.

In 2008, Penny had an ERA of 6.28 to go along with a 6-9 record. For the season, he pitched only 94.2 innings in 17 starts and two relief appearances.

However, it wasn’t that long ago that Penny was a very good pitcher. In 2006, he had a record of 16-9 with an ERA of 4.33. In 2007, Penny was even better — finishing with a 3.03 ERA and a record of 16-4.

If he can regain his top form, the 30-year-old right-hander could go down as one of the biggest steals of the baseball offseason.

Photo credit: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Sabathia struggled mightily to begin his 2008 campaign but has bounced back nicely. After posting a 7.76 ERA in April, Sabathia had a 2.44 ERA in May and so far in June has a 2.74 ERA. Sabathia, who won the Cy Young Award last year in the AL, seems to be back on top of his game.

If the Sabathia trade rumors heat up, which teams are the likely destinations? Let’s take a look:

Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have lost Curt Schilling for the season and recently had to put Bartolo Colon on the DL. The Red Sox have the money to pay Sabathia and could view the hefty left as a key cog to their attempt to repeat as World Series champions.

New York Yankees
Like the Red Sox, the Yankees and their limitless payroll will definitely be in the running. New York entered the season banking on a few young arms to come through, however that hasn’t happened. Now with Chien-Ming Wang injured and out until September, their need for a star pitcher is great.

Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are looking to finally end their historical championship slump and 2008 looks like its their best shot in a long while. However, with Carlos Zambrano injured, their chances will go down the drain quickly if he can’t bounce back. That’s where Sabathia could come into play.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Sabathia grew up in California so perhaps he’d be interested in being traded to the Dodgers. And Los Angeles, with Brad Penny and Hiroki Kuroda both going on the DL, could definitely use Sabathia on its pitching staff.

Will CC Sabathia be traded?

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve

• Yankees at Red Sox, 4:05 p.m. PT — You’ll be watching this one whether you want to or not. It’s what pays the bills, eh? Chien-Ming Wang goes against Clay Buccholz.
• Angels at Mariners, 7:10 p.m. PT — Jered Weaver and Felix Hernandez… Vlad and Ichiro!… Monkeys and mooses (meese?)… This one’s got it all. Here’s your game of the day.
• Padres at Dodgers, 7:40 p.m. PT — Jake Peavy and Brad Penny hook up for the second time in a week. The big story — at least among people who don’t know much about baseball — is a mysterious substance that appeared on Peavy’s hand in their previous meeting. You’re better than that, though; you recognize that two of the game’s best pitchers will be battling tonight, and that’s what really matters.

Happy, happy…

Post from: Knuckle Curve

• White Sox at Tigers, 12:55 p.m. PT — At 0-4, Detroit is the only team without a win so far this season. Baseball is a strange game. Dontrelle Willis makes his Tigers debut. For a guy who should be in his physical prime, Willis sure has fallen fast. Where’s Steve Avery when you need him?
• Dodgers at Padres, 12:55 p.m. PT — This is by far the best matchup of the day: Brad Penny goes up against Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy. Penny is 0-2 with a 6.67 ERA over his last five starts against San Diego.
• Diamondbacks at Rockies, 5:05 p.m. PT — Last year’s NL West playoff participants square off this evening. Two good young pitchers — Brandon Webb and Jeff Francis — hook up in this one. It’s also a good excuse to watch Justin Upton play, which is always a treat.

Play ball!

Post from: Knuckle Curve