Full Count
A Furiously Updated Red Sox Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
RSS
Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball 06.30.11 at 10:27 am ET
By Ryan Hannable

When left-handed pitcher Miguel Pena was drafted by the Red Sox in the sixth round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, it was not the first time Pena had been drafted by a major league team. In fact, it marked the third straight year that a team had selected the hurler.

He was drafted out of high school by the Nationals in the fifth round of the 2009 draft and then in 2010 by the Padres in the 13th round following his first year at San Jacinto Junior College. He did not sign with either team because of money issues with his contract.

“I initiated what I wanted for money [with every team] way before the draft and I am a man to my word and for me to have that under-slot [bonus offer] thrown at me [by the Nationals and Padres], it really hurt my family and I,” Pena said. “I am not going to let it affect me on or off the field though.”

The drafts each of the past three years have been somewhat unpredictable and surprising for Pena.

“I was surprised coming out of high school, you know, fifth round, that’s pretty high,” Pena said. “But, I was more shocked when I went down to the 13th round [in 2010], but I knew there were some off the field issues. This year I kind of knew the Red Sox were going to take me. I was really close with the area scout back in Texas and it was somewhat surprising but I was very pleased with the round I went in. It really meant a lot to me.”

After not signing with the Nationals in 2009 he enrolled at San Jucinto Junior College (where Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte both played) and pitched there in 2009. Pena posted a 14-2 record with a 2.51 ERA in his freshman year and then was drafted by the Padres in the 2010 draft, and went on to play in the Cape Cod League that summer.

Pena played for the Falmouth Commodores and only appeared in three games, all of which he started. He did tally 21 strikeouts in only 16 2/3 innings.

There were some off-field issues for Pena that summer on the Cape, reportedly with his host family, which played a role in him not getting the amount of money he desired from the Padres, and therefore not signing.

He returned to San Jacinto for his sophomore season and finished the year with a 10-3 record, a 1.91 ERA, 93 strikeouts and 24 walks in 85 innings. Then in June Pena was selected by the Red Sox in the fifth round of the draft. He was pleased with his selection.

“I was very excited for me and my family as I have been a Red Sox fan since 2004,” Pena said.

The southpaw signed quickly with the Red Sox with an $85,000 signing bonus and was sent to Lowell, the short season single-A affiliate with the Red Sox. The $85,000 was considerably less than what he was offered the previous two years.

“I signed so quick just to get out here and start playing pro ball and start working my way up,” he said. “I’ve felt that I’ve been ready since I got out of high school. I think my senior year and then my freshman year in college has been a major setback for me. I don’t know where I could have been by now. It was definitely one of the reasons why I came out early.”

Pena is not regretting anything though.

“Not at all,” Pena said. “Everything happens for a reason. Everything is going pretty well for me so far here.”

He also feels that he has grown as a player since being drafted by the Nationals in 2009 with the coaching he received at San Jacinto.

“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “Especially coming out of high school and going into junior college. San Jacinto is a high profile school and my pitching coach really helped me with pretty much everything from mechanics to increasing velocity and just improving as a pitcher.”

The 20-year-old stands at six-foot-two, 175 pounds, which is relatively small for a professional pitcher. He does not let that affect him and his approach to the game.

“It doesn’t really affect me,” Pena said. “I see all these big guys out there and they see me. It isn’t that intimidating at all. I go out there like a bull. I won’t back down for no one. I am going to go [all] out every game. It’s a big part of my character being a small person but as long as I play the game I will be fine.”

He throws four pitches, a fastball (88-91 MPH according to Baseball America), a curveball, changeup and a slider. His strength is reportedly his command and ability to throw strikes.

When arriving in Lowell, Pena was reunited with one of his teammates from a summer league team back in high school, infielder Garin Cecchini. The two played on the South Texas Sun Devils, a team that traveled all around the country and played against some of the best competition in the country.

Cecchini, an infielder was drafted by the Sox out of high school in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, but sat out last season because of a torn ACL he suffered during high school. The highly regarded third base prospect had spoken highly of the Sox to Pena.

“I played with him two summers ago, we were roommates the whole summer,” Pena said. “I consider him one of my best friends, he’s a great guy all around. I have nothing but good things to say about him and it’s awesome that I ended up here in Lowell with him.”

Now that Pena — who made his debut for the Spinners on Monday, tossing two innings and allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out three — has settled into life as a professional in the Red Sox organization he just wants to keep things simple.

“I want to go out there and grind everyday and give it my all,” he said. “Most importantly throw strikes.”

Read More: garin cecchini, lowell spinners, miguel pena, Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Host Family

    Please understand the translation to off the field issues does not have anything to do with a problem with his host family. There was blatant disregard for team curfew which was quite minor compared to the illegal drug use.

  • http://bit.ly/happy-bid-day Rodrick Turchi

    How Crazy! I’, so estatic. Just now I won a Canon Powershot ELPH Digital Camera for only $2.40 off this auction url here http://bit.ly/happy-bid-day . Xmas came early! I have never had this much luck like today. I normally haven’t any luck at all. So excited!

  • http://www.genuinepandorashopuk.net/pandora-murano-glass-bead-203.html pandora charms uk

    That is very attention-grabbing, You are an overly professional blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look ahead to in quest of more of your excellent post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks

  • http://hyip-libertyreserve.com/savelibertyreserve.html invest liberty reserve

    Magnificent goods from you, man. Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball informations.

  • http://hyip-libertyreserve.com/savelibertyreserve.html invest liberty reserve

    Great goods from you, man. Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely great. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a great Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball informations.

  • http://hyip-libertyreserve.com liberty reserve

    Wonderful goods from you, man. Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a great Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball informations.

  • http://alturl.com/iu6q3 Gil Gilbride

    OMG! I am so estatic. This morning I won a Canon Powershot ELPH Digital Camera for only $2.40 off this auction url here http://bit.ly/happy-bid-day . Xmas came early! I never ever ever had this much luck like today. I normally haven’t any luck at all. So estatic!

  • http://mistermigell.ru/post116514376 Carwili Sharice

    I surely did not realize that. Learnt something new nowadays! Thanks for that.

  • http://hyip-libertyreserve.com liberty reserve

    Hello, I think that I saw you visited my blog so I came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  • http://hyip-libertyreserve.com liberty reserve

    Wonderful goods from you, man. Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball informations.

  • http://hyip-libertyreserve.com liberty reserve

    I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!

  • http://www.bookmrk.de/benutzer/17048/lesezeichen/ ukraine escort

    This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work.

  • http://ireversephone.blogspot.com/ reverse phone call lookup

    I like Your Article about Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball Perfect just what I was looking for! .

  • http://gapkandroid.blogspot.com/ Android Apps

    Fantastic goods from you, man. Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too excellent. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific Full Count » Third time’s a charm: Red Sox draftee Miguel Pena’s journey to professional ball informations.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73UCY8qlO3c parenting

    I’m no longer positive the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I must spend some time learning more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.

  • http://littlebunnies.xpag.pl/viewtopic.php?p=15490#15490 mbt sneakers UK

    Hi there! I simply wish to give a huge thumbs up for the good information you’ve right here on this post. I can be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  • http://tips4pokerplayer.com online gambling

    You can certainly see your skills within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.

  • http://collegeoutlet.net/Artitle/former-professor-sentenced-to-11-years-in-jail JMU

    It’s really a cool and helpful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  • http://scrapeboxfaq.com/ Jerrica Magsayo

    I take pleasure in, cause I found exactly what I used to be having a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  • http://weathervanespal.multiply.com/journal/item/2/My_Very_First_Weathervane weathervane

    Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  • http://www.croportal.net/zanimljivosti/KAKO_UZETI_30_EURA_BONUS_NA_internet_KLADIONICI-1917392 bwin kladionica

    Generally I do not learn article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite nice post.

  • http://www.grdc.com.au/linkdirect.cfm?targeturl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.pcinternetbanking.com%22%3EInternet+banking%3C%2fa%3E+is+a+great+way+to+do+business.++Banking+on+the+internet+has+become+a+way+of+life+ 8

    I take pleasure in, cause I found exactly what I used to be having a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  • http://www.aliciafashion.com Women’s Clothing

    Great post!I had a amazing time reading blog and I like it. I like that you took the time to write it amazing page and share it with us. I will be looking forward to view your next blog.I couldn’t agree more with what you said This is an amazing page and I don’t think any one could say it any better. Great for sharing this amazing post with us! You share great tips with us. I like it when knowledgeable people like yourself post great post like that and share knowledge. I will be following your next article.

  • http://affiliatecashsniperscam.com affiliate cash sniper

    Hi there, I found your blog by means of Google whilst looking for a similar matter, your web site came up, it appears to be like great. I have bookmarked to favourites|added to bookmarks.

  • http://www.doshapeupswork.com/tag/do-shape-ups-work/ do shape ups work

    Hello there, simply turned into aware of your blog thru Google, and found that it is really informative. I?m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of other folks will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  • http://www.kswisstubesreview.org K Swiss Tubes Review

    Hello there, simply turned into aware of your blog thru Google, and found that it is really informative. I?m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of other folks will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  • http://SAWSSANANTONIO.COM saws san antonio

    Hello there, simply turned into aware of your blog thru Google, and found that it is really informative. I?m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of other folks will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

Red Sox Box Score
Red Sox Schedule
Baseball Analytics Blog
Red Sox Headlines
Red Sox Minor League News
Red Sox Team Leaders
MLB Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify