Analyst believes Pena must improve to stay with D-backs

PHOENIX – Wily Mo Pena has burst on the Arizona scene crushing towering home runs in only a limited role.

However, an ESPN analyst believes Pena’s time in Arizona could be short-lived if he doesn’t improve on other aspects of his game.

“I don’t think he fits in other than as a pinch-hitter now even if they keep him. He’s going to have to become a more well-rounded player if he’s going to stick and stay,” said Tim Kurkjian on the Sports 620 KTAR’s Gambo and Ash show on Tuesday.

Pena has been limited to only pinch-hitting and serving as the team’s DH during interleague play because he is so poor playing the field.

“He’s a liability defensively, there’s a reason he hasn’t been in the big leagues for awhile,” said Kurkjian.

Pena is also one-dimensional offensively as almost all of his hits have been of the home run variety and little else.

“He has trouble making contact, he chases too much,” said Kurkjian.

Let’s hope Pena can adapt and prove himself defensively at first base or in the outfield because he brings a valuable power bat that can hit a home run at any moment of a game.

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