NewsIndians hire Pena as key scout
Named director of Latin American operations
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
11/06/09 4:42 PM EST
On the same day the Indians began to fill out their coaching staff, they also filled a key scouting role Friday by hiring Ramon Pena as their director of Latin American operations.For Pena, it's a return to a role in which he has had success with two other organizations. He spent the last three seasons overseeing the Mets' Latin American operations as a special assistant to Mets general manager Omar Minaya. Before that, he spent 21 years in the Tigers' scouting ranks, eventually rising to take charge of their Latin American efforts. He was honored in 1997 as Detroit's Scout of the Year.
More than 40 players signed by or under Pena have reached the Majors, including prominent closers Francisco Cordero and Fernando Rodney out of the Dominican Republic, infielder Ramon Santiago from the Dominican, utility man Omar Infante from Venezuela and outfielder Frank Catalanotto.
Pena's connections in the Dominican Republic include a government role. He currently serves as a sports advisor to Dominican president Leonel Fernandez.
"We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Ramon's experience, track record and influence join our organization," Indians assistant general manager John Mirabelli said. "We are excited to add Ramon and feel he could impact our organization in a very positive way."
Pena replaces Lino Diaz, who will remain in the organization in a more hands-on role. He'll work directly with Latin American players in the farm system to help them make the cultural transition to the United States.
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
