Mets Minor League Scouting Report: Francisco Pena, C
Scouting the Sally - Francisco Pena, C, NYM
Francisco Pena (1-3, 1 2B) - Signed as an International Free Agent by the Mets for $750,ooo, Francisco Pena is head and shoulders the best position prospect on the Savannah Sand Gnats roster. Unfortunately, this isn't saying much! Currently a bit of an enigma in the Mets system, People see a .268/.310/.387 line out of a 6'3", 230 lb. 18-year old and can't seem to figure out whether those numbers are boom or blah. While I'm not sure I know either, I do know that Pena looks to be in much better shape than at this time last season.
- Pena looked his listed 6'3", 230 lbs.
- Sported HUGE lower half; Lost the belly he had in 2007
- Physique looked closer to physical maturity than Jason Heyward or Freddie Freeman
- Needs to learn how to better use his size since there's not much projection left in his build
- Currently has slider bat speed
- Jammed badly during a couple of at bats
- Behind on every fastball he swung at
- Double down the LF line was off of a hanging curveball
- Moves well behind the plate for such a big catcher
- Made diving catch on a bunt attempt behind home plate
- Did not show much of his arm in between innings, but it was easy to tell the arm strength was there
- Slow runner; Will struggle to be even an average runner for the position
Pena looks like a ballplayer and certainly has the pedigree, but there's just something about him that makes me wonder why he isn't more at this point. I know he is young, but he seems a little lackadaisical and fades into the background in games I see him play. He just doesn't do anything to stand out. I read about his "star" power on other blogs, but I just don't see it. Major league average maybe, but his bat will need to improve a ton to get to that point. Fortunately, he has a few years to make that happen, but there's a saying in baseball that "you can't teach bat speed."
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Interesting
Doesn’t sound like the kind of guy who can make a huge impact in the majors.
"I don't need to wipe everyone out, Tom. Just my enemies." - Al Pacino as Michael Corleone
by Prince on
Aug 29, 2008 7:54 PM EDT
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He still has time to develop. I’m just not sure where all the phenomenal hype is coming from on him. I mean I read Mike Piazza comps in researching him and he’s much more like Ramon Castro. Pena/Castro even resemble each other.
Mike Newman
baseballhandyman.blogspot.com
by Baseball Handyman on
Aug 29, 2008 10:29 PM EDT
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His head is that big?
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Aug 31, 2008 2:37 PM EDT
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Just got home from seeing Pena play again...
In adding a couple of additional points;
Front Foot Hitter
Dead Pull
In 8 or so at bats in the last week I think he’s hit a grounder to the left side 5 or 6 times. Tonight they played the Yankees A- team and I would MUCH rather have Romine or Montero in my organization than Pena.
Mike Newman
baseballhandyman.blogspot.com
by Baseball Handyman on
Aug 30, 2008 10:34 PM EDT
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