Brayan Pena

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #22 prospect in 2007
  For the second straight season, Pena was on call in Triple-A waiting for an emergency opportunity. He played sparingly for the Braves in May and June while Brian McCann was injured, and otherwise turned in his second straight strong season in Richmond. The switch-hitting Pena has a knack for centering the ball on the bat but possesses minimal power at the plate. He's known as "The Cuban Ichiro" for his bat control. Pena has the speed of a typical catcher, making him a liability on the bases, yet he has improved his mobility behind the plate. He does a good job of blocking balls in the dirt, and he has a quick release and makes accurate throws. He erased 29 percent of Triple-A basestealers last year. Though McCann has developed into one of the premier young backstops in the game and Jarrod Saltalamacchia is on his heels, the Braves believe Pena has shown enough to serve as their backup catcher. He'll get a chance to claim that role in 2007.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #15 prospect in 2006
  On the heels of a solid yet unspectacular 2004 season in Double-A, Pena seemed to mature while playing in the Dominican Winter League. He finished fifth in the batting race with a .323 average, then surpassed that mark last year in Triple-A around four callups to Atlanta. A switch-hitter, Pena's ability to put the ball in play earned him the nickname "The Cuban Ichiro."He consistently centers the ball on the bat. The stocky Pena doesn't run well but has done a good job of getting his body in better condition after some scouts worried about his frame early in his career. His defensive work, especially with blocking balls in the dirt and working with pitchers, has made steady improvement over the past few years. He has above-average arm strength and his throws have become more accurate. Pena is blocked by Brian McCann in Atlanta and has Jarrod Saltalamacchia coming up behind him, so he may need a trade to get much big league playing time.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #24 prospect in 2004
  Of the Braves' young catching prospects, Pena is the closest to reaching the big leagues. A Cuban defector, he put together a solid 2003 season in high Class A, polishing his defensive skills and rebounding with his bat. Pena's catching ability is more advanced than Brian McCann's. He moves well and does a good job of calling games. One of the more enthusiastic and vocal players in the system, Pena is popular with his teammates, and most pitchers like working with him. Offensively, Pena isn't much of a power threat, but the switchhitter makes excellent contact and won the Appalachian League batting crown in 2001. The Braves would like to see him exercise a little more patience at the plate. The major concern about Pena has been possible weight problems, which have yet to materialize. As long as he stays in shape, he should be in line to back up Johnny Estrada in Atlanta by late 2005. Pena will begin this year as the starter in Double-A.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked National League #20 prospect in 2001
  The Appy League's leading hitter from start to finish, Pena featured a solid swing from the right side of the plate. He was more than adequate lefthanded, but several managers wonder if his below-average bat speed as a lefty will allow him to succeed from that side at higher levels. Despite his offensive prowess, every manager had concerns about Pena. He did a decent job of handling pitchers and a calling a game, but some skippers thought he didn’t move well enough behind the plate because of excess weight. One manager even went so far as to compare Pena to a present-day Tony Gwynn. Several also disliked Pena's attitude. "There's no doubt he can hit, but the way you act on the field is very important, too," an Eastern Division manager said. "I don't think he acts professionally on the field. You have to respect the game and the umpires, and I'm not sure that he does."

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  The Appy League's leading hitter from start to finish, Pena featured a solid swing from the right side of the plate. He was more than adequate lefthanded, but several managers wonder if his below-average bat speed as a lefty will allow him to succeed from that side at higher levels. Despite his offensive prowess, every manager had concerns about Pena. He did a decent job of handling pitchers and a calling a game, but some skippers thought he didn’t move well enough behind the plate because of excess weight. One manager even went so far as to compare Pena to a present-day Tony Gwynn. Several also disliked Pena's attitude. "There's no doubt he can hit, but the way you act on the field is very important, too," an Eastern Division manager said. "I don't think he acts professionally on the field. You have to respect the game and the umpires, and I'm not sure that he does."