Gload-Penn

The Marlins send Robert Andino to the Orioles for Hayden Penn, and will be sending a player to Kansas City for Ross Gload.

'Andino and Penn are out of minor league options. All but nine of Penn's 123 professional appearances have been as a starter. The Marlins have three Grapefruit League games left to determine whether they'll carry him in the bullpen or more than likely attempt to slip him through waivers and insert him into the Triple-A New Orleans rotation.

'Penn went from being the Orioles' 2004 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and making his major league debut at age 20 the following season to facing several injuries and missteps that leveled off his ascent.

'The Marlins have liked Penn for several years. In 2005, when former Orioles pitching coach Mark Wiley joined the Marlins in the same capacity, he advised the front office to acquire Penn if the opportunity ever presented itself. Later that season, Penn's name was bandied about when the Marlins and Orioles discussed a possible A.J. Burnett trade.

'"I thought he was the best starting prospect they had in the minor leagues," Wiley said. "He got called up probably before he should have been up. Sometimes that happens and you get on the clock sooner than you should. The other day he threw against us and his stuff looked good and crisp."

'Penn, 24, is 0-3 with a 10.06 ERA in 17 Grapefruit League innings and could not beat out guys like Adam Eaton, Mark Hendrickson and Alfredo Simon for a rotation spot.

'Gload replaces Dallas McPherson, who the Marlins released after Tuesday night's game. President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest said the Marlins and Royals consummated the deal Tuesday but had to await commissioner's office approval because of the money involved in the transaction.

'The Royals are sending $1.5 million, which covers all but $400,000 of Gload's 2009 salary. Gload, who turns 33 on Sunday, is in the second season of a two-year deal. The contract includes a 2010 club option for $2.6 million with no buyout.

'A career .287 hitter in parts of seven seasons, Gload has a lifetime .300 average (27 for 90) as a pinch hitter and .319 mark (91 for 285) with runners in scoring position. Though he has totaled 720 more turns against right-handers, his career on-base plus slugging percentage against them is just three points lower (.737) than off lefties.

'A product of the University of South Florida, Gload was the Marlins' 13th-round draft pick in 1997. He was part of the 2000 trade deadline deal for Henry Rodriguez.' (SunSentinel)