Carlos Pena signed a one year contract worth 10 million dollars with the Chicago Cubs this MLB offseason. Was this simply a stop gap measure? Yes, it probably was but there still is a lot of upside to this deal that should be considered.
Carlos Pena saw his batting average drop off to .196, and his home runs to decline to 28 in 2010. Pena strikes out a lot and this is very unlikely to change, athough he is reuniting with former hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo.
So what exactly is there to be optimistic about? Well Carlos Pena's career numbers are much more respectable and playing 81 games in Wrigley Field, Pena should see his numbers rebound to has career norms.
The Cubs have been looking to add a power hitting left handed hitter to the middle of their lineup for a long time, and Carlos Pena fits the bill. Over the past 3 years Pena has averaged 33 home runs and 95 rbis during that span. If he can put up similar numbers he should help the Cubs offensive production tremendously.
With the addition of Carlos Pena, the role of talented Cub Tyler Colvin is now a bit of a mystery. Colvin will likely battle with Kosuke Fukudome for playing time in right field. There has been trade rumors swirling around Fukudome, so if he is dealt Colving will get plenty of at bats while taking over the right field position.
Carlos Pena appears to be a one year bandaid, but the upside potential is significant. Before we condemn the move before spring training has begun would be premature. Carlos Pena has shown that he can be a solid power hitting left hander with a surprisingly good glove defensively. He could provide just the punch that the Cubs have been lacking in the middle of their order.
