The past few days have been like a roller-coaster ride for New York Yankees bench coach Tony Pena. While he has been trying to help the Yankees achieve success in the American League Championship Series, Pena has also been conversing with the Boston Red Sox about possibly taking over the manager
Oct 16, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees bench coach Tony Pena is interviewed before game three of the 2012 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
role for the 2013 season.
Pena, 55, is no stranger to Beantown. He was the Sox’ starting catcher from 1990-1993, before he was signed by the Cleveland Indians,
"“I know the city well, I know the fans. I played there for four years and I enjoyed every single moment there,” said Pena. “Whatever happens, happens. I have no control over that right now. It’s in their hands. I just want to concentrate on where we are right now.”"
Pena does have some managing experience. He coached the New Orleans Zephyrs, one of the sixteen teams in the Pacific Coast League, from 1999 t0 2001. He also managed the Aguilas Cibaenas, a Dominican winter-league team, in 1998 and 2000. In 2002, Pena was named manager of the Kansas City Royals, where he served for three years before resigning, and accepting his job as a bench coach with the Yankees in 2005.
Tony Pena would be a great addition to the Red Sox organization. He is the person who can make split-second decisions and lead the Red Sox back towards the path of success.