According to the Associated Press, free-agent RHP Brad Penny has signed a one-year deal with the Softbank Hawks of Japan’s Pacific League.
Penny, 33, went 11-11 with a 5.30 ERA in 181 innings with the Tigers last season, allowing 62 walks while striking out 74.
Last month, Sandy Alderson told reporters he was looking for a ‘swing man’ for the pitching staff, saying “We continue to try to add depth at Triple-A to give us the potential for the emergency call-up guys that have some major league experience, but not necessarily guys that we expect to make the club out of spring training.”
Last season, Mets starting pitchers went 53-58 with a 4.12 ERA and six complete games in 974 innings. They used nine different starting pitchers in 2011, 12 in 2010, and 11 in 2009. Their bullpen went 24-27 with a 4.17 ERA with 24 blown saves in 67 opportunities, allowing 199 walks in relief 474 innings last season.
