Expert: Tony Hutchens - 4/17/2006

Question
I was wondering what happened to Hayden Penn. He is supposed to be on the Ottawa Lynx but hasn't played. Is he hurt? Also what do you think of Adam Loewen and which of these two do you think will be a better SP for the O's in the next year or two?

Answer
Hello Matt,

  Hayden Penn isn't hurt - he is still in Florida in extended spring training. Penn is such a valuable prospect that the Orioles don't want to take any chance of injuries with him. They don't feel he got in enough work in the first part of spring training to warrant throwing more than a few innings so they prefer he stay there and build up his arm strength before heading to Ottawa. He is expected to join the Lynx in about a week or so.

  I personally think a great deal of Adam Loewen and I believe he has a chance to become a solid #2 or #3 starter in the big leagues. I do worry about his future with the Orioles however because of his unorthodox contract that says he must make the club by next season or be waived. That may put undue pressure on both him and the organization to rush things. I think Hayden Penn will be the better pitcher in the short term but Loewen has the potential to overtake him in the long run.