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The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of Japan's Pacific League have released right-handed pitcher Brad Penny, according to a Sanspo.com article (via Patrick Newman of @npbtracker). A rough translation suggests that Penny had complained of right shoulder pain and was having difficulty adjusting to Japanese ball:
According to team officials, Penny was "unable to adapt well to baseball in Japan, [and he] strongly desired to leave."
That noted, Buster Olney is suggesting that Penny already has offers from multiple Major League teams for both starter and reliever roles:
Brad Penny has offers to be a starter and offers to be a reliever from MLB teams. Will choose soon.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 8, 2012
Penny, 33, signed with the Hawks in early February for $3 million. The 13th-year vet has been on six different professional rosters, including five seasons with the Marlins and five with the Dodgers between 2000-2009.
Since then, Penny has bounced around teams including the Red Sox, Giants, Cardinals, and finally the Tigers before signing with the Hawks in Japan. He maintains a career 4.23 ERA and has earned 19 Wins Above Replacement.