While coming off an injury-filled 2008, Penny entered this season with a shaky record against American League teams and a reputation for being, well, unmotivated. As it has turned out, especially given the injury to Daisuke Matsuzaka and the integration of John Smoltz, he has been an important contributor to the Boston rotation. Since May 1, in 13 starts, Penny has a better earned run average (3.79) than a list of qualifying American League starters that includes Mark Buehrle, Kevin Millwood, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Saunders, Andy Pettitte, and even Tim Wakefield. Yes, the Red Sox also have Clay Buchholz in waiting, but that only means that Penny has helped preserve their depth, too.