Giants have inside track on Brad Penny

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Brad Penny is expected to sign with the Giants once he clears waivers on Monday. 

The Giants would make Penny their fifth starter behind right-handers Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and left-handers Barry Zito and Jonathan Sanchez. Lefty Randy Johnson is expected to be a reliever if he returns from a shoulder injury.

Penny said he wanted to join a contender for the final stretch, and the Giants are in the heat of a playoff spot, tied for the wild card lead after sweeping the Rockies this past weekend. 

Penny was solid leading up to the All-Star game, posting a 3.68 ERA in 12 starts. However, in his last nine starts, he is 1-5 with a 6.98 ERA. In 10 starts in AT&T Park, Penny is 3-2 with a 3.88 ERA.