Teal Shadow,Jul 18 2005, 7:03 PM]
Background: Penn's baseball experience and success were limited in high school because he also spent a lot of time on the basketball court. He was the eastern San Diego area player of the year after averaging 24 points and 11 rebounds a game as a senior. He broke out in 2004, jumping all the way to Double-A and being named Baltimore's minor league pitcher of the year.
Strengths: Penn has the stuff to pitch at the front end of a rotation. His plus changeup is his best pitch now, and he also has an 89-92 mph fastball that touches 94 and a curveball that's above average when it's on. What the Orioles really like, though, is his pitching savvy. He pitches above his age and experience, working inside, pitching to weak contact and showing a knack for reading hitters' weaknesses.
Weaknesses: Penn mainly needs innings. He didn't make his pro debut until 2003, was shut down halfway through the season, and opened 2004 in the Delmarva bullpen to reduce his workload. His curveball still requires work.
The Future: It's early, but Penn's fast progress got the Orioles excited. He'll go back to Double-A Bowie to open 2005.
it seems he was rush through the system and has little experience pitching while in HS. This kid should be in high Single A right now.
862310[/snapback]
its from b/a
