Carlos Pena to Tampa Bay is cute in a homecoming sort of way, sure. But could it be more than that? You bet.
Ever so quietly -- as usual -- the Rays are working smart and putting together another team down there by the water that will give the Yankees, Red Sox and everyone else fits this summer.
Maybe Pena, at 33, struggles to stay above the Mendoza Line anymore. But he did whack 28 homers for the Cubs last summer while collecting 80 RBI, which was exactly ... 28 more homers and 79 more RBI than the Rays got from Manny Ramirez in 2011.
Nobody, surely starting with the Rays, is expecting Pena to replicate his 2009 All-Star season (39 homers, 100 RBIs).
But Pena trumps Manny by about 1,000 miles both on the field and in the clubhouse. Together, Pena and Luke Scott, whom the Rays added as a DH bat earlier this month, should be a much more productive first base/DH combination than last year's Casey Kotchman/Johnny Damon tag team.
In fact, the Rays last summer ranked dead last among major-league first basemen in 2011 in both runs scored and RBI. Overall, Tampa Bay's 707 runs scored ranked eighth in the AL.
In Pena and Scott, they should get more production. And with a killer rotation in James Shields, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis and rookie Matt Moore or Jeff Niemann -- the Rays' 3.58 ERA in 2011 was second in the AL only to the Angels' -- there is no reason why it shouldn't carry Joe Maddon's club deep into September once again.
Comments Add a Comment
Beancake
Since: Aug 2, 2011 |
Posted on: February 14, 2012 10:56 pm
Pena, Scott smart moves for Tampa Bay RaysWith the Pena signing, the Rays will be formidable in AL East hitting ballparks when visiting Yankee stadium; Fenway Park and the Jays then the Rays are more likely to win with Pena in the team.
However, from my what I've seen of Pena, he is a good acquisition for his defensive capabilities, and his all round performance show that he WILL be a worthwhile addition to the Rays team |
Donutme
Since: Jun 25, 2007 |
Posted on: January 25, 2012 2:48 am
Pena, Scott smart moves for Tampa Bay RaysI cannot believe someone opened up the checkbook for this guy. Casey is a better choice . Pena was in a hitters ballpark last year. On a grass field going back to turf. I think Pena will struggle.
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olivejim |
Posted on: January 22, 2012 6:33 pm
Pena, Scott smart moves for Tampa Bay RaysAs a franchise life long fan of th Rays, I think this move by the Rays is great. If he can manage to hit .230 or .240 for the Rays, drive in close to 100 and hit 25-30 HR's alng with drawing 100 walks and provide stellar defense, then this deal is a steal for the Rays. People dont give enough credit to him for all the walk he draws..walks increase the starting pitchers pitch count AND get into the head of the pitcher. Id like to see him hit 5th but with Maddon, Im sure he will hit 3 thru 7 on any given day!!! Id like to see the Rays keep all 6 of their starters going into Spring Training for this reason, the Rays have been most fortunate in regard to injuries with their starting pitching. If something happened like the Redsox had happen with their starting pitching last season, it'll be a long summer. Cant wait til April 3rd!!! GO RAYS!!!
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Odessa Ole Fart
Since: Oct 9, 2006 |
Posted on: January 21, 2012 10:08 am
Pena, Scott smart moves for Tampa Bay RaysFROM A SEASON TKT. HOLDER'S PERSPECTIVE .......1) exceeded our CAP with Scott very elated to see Pena..Clos get's walks and plays great defense...a must for Ray's baseball.. 2) .Still don't be surprised to see a trade Nieman/wade davis for another young 1b/ as there are 2 or 3 out there to be traded BEFORE the season starts 3)With this pitching staff I see Jennings ,Zobrist Longoria Scott Pena Upton and Joyce Playoffs here we go !!!
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MisterSimple74 |
Posted on: January 21, 2012 2:40 am
Pena, Scott smart moves for Tampa Bay RaysI am not sure this move helps Tampa as much as some say, unless he is going to DH. Kotchman is a very high quality defensive 1B and had a solid season with the bat last year. Other than familiarity, I am not impressed with this move.
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Pocketjax |
Posted on: January 20, 2012 9:45 pm
Pena, Scott smart moves for Tampa Bay RaysCarlos Pena is a very streaky hitter with nice pop and when he's hot he can carry an offense for weeks at a time. The under rated facet of Pena's game is his ability to draw walks. Fans appreciate a well hit single more than a walk but a walk dictates the SP throw more pitches and affects his mental state as well. Lots to like if you are a Ray's fan.
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notwhatuthink
Since: Dec 29, 2011 |
Posted on: January 20, 2012 8:49 pm
Pena, Scott smart moves for Tampa Bay RaysI agree with Scott Miller. Pena fits in the clubhouse well. I think he'll hit .240 and above this year while putting up decent production. The Cubs were wise in not keeping him and the Rays wise in picking him up.
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