Lowe endorses Penny
Derek Lowe, the only candidate other than Brad Penny to be the Dodgers' opening-day starter, said today that Penny should get the ball on March 31 against the Giants.
``We're 0-3 when I pitch on opening day, which isn't real good,'' Lowe said. ``They haven't said anything, but if I were a guessing man, I would say Brad will do it. He is well deserving. He has been our best pitcher the past two years, and he has made the All-Star team the past two yers. He has earned it.''
Lowe spoke just after pitching two hitless innings in a simulated game, facing eight hitters and throwing 33 pitches (23 strikes).
Even after hearing about Lowe's comments, Joe Torre still wouldn't say Penny is the guy. But it's clear he is leaning that way.
``I think that could work,'' Torre said. ``(Penny) is lined up to pitch on opening day, but we haven't decided that yet. We want to get into the spring a little bit and make sure they are getting what they need and that they are feeling good.''
Tony Jackson has covered the Dodgers for the Daily News since 2004 and has covered Major League Baseball on a regular basis since 1995. He previously covered the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds. He is a native of Springdale, Ark., and a graduate of the University of Arkansas.
Comments
I wish baseball wasn't so diplomatic.
Opening day starter isn't even that big of an issue as who's starting in left and at third.
Consuming conflicting and ambiguous quotes is worse than watching a presidential debate.
Good job, Tony. Not trying to kill the messenger.
Posted by: Garrett
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February 27, 2008 12:22 PM
It is a no brainer that Penny should be the opening day starter and based on Torre's comment, he knows it.
Keep the updates coming. Any information you can provide is much appreciated.
Posted by: nick | February 27, 2008 1:47 PM