Mo' Better Sox

Papi Awed by Pena's Power

Pena Has Potential To Be Great
Gammo: There's a New Mo in Boston

"And while Wily Mo Pena is a .303 career on-base guy who sometimes plays out of control, he is still only 24, and about to begin learning the game with David Ortiz. Boston is not usually a tools-oriented organization, but one thing they lack through the minor leagues is right-handed power, and Pena is a project whose skills are worth the effort to hone.

"Right-handed corner power bats are hard to find, and Pena has awesome power and remarkable speed. The Red Sox were looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder, and Pena can platoon with Trot Nixon; Pena had an .881 OPS against left-handed pitching last season (Mike Sweeney and Andruw Jones were .877, Manny Ramirez .885). He can fill in for Coco Crisp and Ramirez, when necessary." -- 3.20.06, Peter Gammons, ESPN Insider Blog (Subscription Only)

Extra Bases: Theo Talks About Wily Mo Pena's Potential
And Said Bronson Had No Guarantees

In the future, Pena has the potential to be a legitimate middle-of-the-order power hitter. He strikes out a lot, and has not had a traditional development curve. The track record for players this young with this power is pretty good. If he hits his potential, he’s got a chance to be an impact guy but there is risk involved with this skill set. -- 3.20.06, Theo Epstein on Wily Mo Pena

Ronald and Me

Goneson to Reds: I'm Lovin' It

Boston.Com Survey: Did Sox Do Arroyo Wrong?
Eric Wilbur: A Few Mo' Questions
Photo Gallery: Recapping Bronson's Time in Boston
WEEI Audio: Theo Talks About Wily Mo