Tony Pena Jr. converting to pitcher

[Cobb]

Source: ESPN.com

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Tony Pena Jr. has hit like a pitcher for the past two years, so the Kansas City Royals plan to convert him to one.

 

Pena, who was the Royals' shortstop on Opening Day in 2007 and 2008, has hit .156 with 62 strikeouts and eight walks in 276 at-bats the last two years. He was designated for assignment July 16 with a .098 average and one extra-base hit.

 

After clearing waivers, the Royals outrighted him Friday to Triple-A Omaha, but instead of reporting to the Pacific Coast League, Pena could be taking a detour to the Royals' complex in Surprise, Ariz., to work off the mound.

 

"I talked to him about it two or three times," Royals manager Trey Hillman said Sunday. "He's all for it right now. At least to take a look at it and see where it goes."

 

Pena worked a perfect ninth inning, including striking out Ivan Rodriguez, on July 21, 2008, in a blowout loss to Detroit. He threw a bullpen season Friday with Royals pitching coach Bob McClure.

Guess they just didn't want to hit again. Pretty good idea since he's in the American League.

[Teletopez]

Father worked behind the plate, son will be on the mound.

[Cobb]

Hopefully he'll be a better pitcher then he was hitter.

[bigdog17k]

I don't see how this is going to work out... does he have experience with pitching certain pitches? I mean Ankiel went from pitcher to outfielder but that's different, you don't need to know how to throw breaking balls to play a position.