Brad Penny Came To Kick Ass and Chew Gum; Was All Out of Gum

Last night, new Giants pitcher Brad Penny walked belly-first into the lions' den and, contrary to the predictions of his former employer, emerged victorious. Penny shut down the National League's best offense in one of baseball's most famous band box, holding the Phillies to but five hits in 8 shutout innings in Citizens Bank Park as the Giants topped the WFC's 4-0. Penny had been cut loose by the Red Sox after posting a miserable 5.61 ERA in twenty-four sub-par starts but found employment with another Wild Card contender right quick. So whaddya think of your new guy, Skip? "Some things are hard to explain," (Giants manager Bruce) Bochy said of Penny's Boston collapse, "and that's one of them." I disagree. There are certain points to explain why things have changed for Penny, and here's one: defense, baby, defense. Although one game is far too small a sample size to judge Penny's defensive support, the difference between his tw...