Juan Pena

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #21 prospect in 2002
  Since winning his first two major league starts in May 1999, Pena has pitched just 56 innings. Shoulder tendinitis initially put him on the disabled list, and then he tore an elbow ligament and had Tommy John surgery in 2000. Though he was unable to pitch at the start of 2001, the Red Sox optioned him to Sarasota so they wouldn't have to pay him the major league minimum. He never felt comfortable and made just eight starts, when he would have been better off rehabbing his arm. He finally felt normal pitching in his native Dominican this winter. For Pena, that meant being able to spot his 89-91 mph sinker, curveball, slider and changeup for strikes. His best pitch is his curveball. He's not the most deceptive guy but he sure knows how to pitch. Boston doesn't have an obvious rotation spot open, so Pena probably will start 2002 in Triple-A, waiting for his second chance. His brother, also named Juan but lefthanded, pitches in the Athletics system.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #17 prospect in 2001
  Little has gone right for Pena since he allowed just one earned run in 13 innings and won his first two major league starts in mid-May 1999. He soon went on the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis, then returned to pitch in the minors only to have his shoulder act up again. A strong candidate to earn a spot in Boston's rotation last spring, he tore the medial collateral ligament in his elbow and had season-ending surgery. Before he got hurt, Pena's best trait was his ability to pitch. He succeeded by precisely locating his pitches, the best of which was his curveball. The sink on his fastball was more impressive than its 89-91 mph velocity. He also throws a slider and changeup. Pena was back on the mound in instructional league and believes he'll be ready for spring training. If he contributes in Boston in 2001, it probably won't be until the second half of the season.