I think he has every chance to be a major league catcher, and I think he'll bloom late. In a platoon role, he'll have value.

I agree Thole and Pena Duo is nice

Unfortunately, by the time Pena arrives, Thole might not be part of the platoon...

you think he will be gone?

If everything breaks right, Frankie has a good shot to be Mike Nickeas, I think.

Which means everyone will be yelling for a AAAA retread to replace him every time he grounds out.

If everything breaks right he is a starting catcher...

He looks like he has a better bat then Nickeas

I still like Pena, but this is really a stretch. He really hasn't shown that he has the offensive skill set to start.

Pena will be a minor league free agent after the year.

I dont necessarily expect there to be a bidding war for his services, but I'm thinking both sides may just decide to move on. Certainly can't clog up an already clogged 40 man with him on it.

If Pena hits his weight he's a major league catcher.

If he hits .250 he's a starter.

If he hits .270 he's an All Star.

he can slid in for Nickeas or Johnson on 40

I think a lot will depend on how well Pena does in Bingo over the next two months ..
Playing in Bingo, it seems for some, is a panacea for hitting woes. (especially since Savannah and the St. Lucie are rough on hitters)

Also, besides the basics of playing catcher - throwing out runners, blocking pitches ... how is he at all the intangibles that go into the position? How are his leadership skills, how well does he work with the pitchers, his ability to call games..etc.

I think if he displays some of these intangible catching skills ...and puts up decent numbers in AA by the end of the year... I think it will be tough to give up on a 22 year old catcher.

He also spent more time in St. Lucie than a lot of guys spend in college, so it's entirely possible there was some stagnation that a change of scenery might help.