The Athletics have released infielder Cliff Pennington, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Pennington had been with the Athletics since signing a minor league contract with the club on Feb. 15.
This release ends Pennington’s second stint as a member of the Athletics, with whom he initially spent time after they chose him 21st overall in the 2005 draft. Pennington saw major league action with the team from 2008-12, during which he hit .249/.313/.356 with 24 home runs and 69 stolen bases over 1,954 plate appearances. Pennington has since racked up another 1,188 PAs with the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Angels and Reds. In all, the switch-hitting 34-year-old has slashed .242/.309/.339 with 36 homers and 84 steals.
While Pennington’s offensive numbers are nothing to brag about, he has performed well defensively. Pennington has earned positive marks from Defensive Runs Saved and Ultimate Zone Rating in extensive action at second base and shortstop, and has been a playable option at third base. Pennington’s defensive versatility wasn’t enough to keep him with Oakland this year, though, and he’ll now seek a new employer after spending the majority of last season with the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate.
SHOCKER
Hello,Japan
You forgot his sparkling 0.00 ERA in the postseason (0.1IP).
Wish him luck, always seemed like a good dude
Yeah, he’s done
The prime example of why defensive metrics needs a tweak. Cliff Pennington was and still is a below average defender. A big problem if he’s earning positive marks at any infield position.
How long before the Angels sign him, then send Fletcher to Triple A. So they can platoon him with La Stella. So they can rank dead last in production, from another position.