Today the Bucs made a roster move by claiming right hander Hayden Penn off waivers from the Florida Marlins. Four years ago Penn was once a big time prospect in the Baltimore Orioles system, but has yet to live up to the early hype.
Penn made his mlb debut before his 21st birthday. He is 4-6 overall between stops with the O's and Marlins. He has a good arm and good stuff and throws three plus pitches for strikes.
Both Baseball America and Tim Dierkes say it's a good pickup by NH. Even if Penn never reaches his potental, it's worth taking a shot on him. It's the typical low risk-high reward type of signing that NH likes to make. Penn should most likely begin the season at AAA Indy.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Penn, the Bucs designated Brandon Moss for assignment (i can hear everyone celebrating). Moss hit only .236 last season and honestly, the at-bats just aren't their for him. He has been passed on the depth chart by Rule 5 guy John Raynor.
One intresting note is that NH said today that in hindsight that there was a better deal on the table for Jason Bay. Now that Moss and likely Craig Hansen won't pan out, the deal will be judged on by how Bryan Morris and Andy Laroche do as Pirates.
The team has ten days to release or trade Moss. He must clear waivers in order for the Bucs to send him to the minors.
