Pena Shows He Won’t Be Meek Met

Alejandro Pena has been with the Mets just two weeks, but that has not prevented him from making some bold statements. In his first interview with the New York media, the former Dodger right-hander guaranteed the Mets will win next season and he expects a significant role in making his guarantee a reality.

“From the bottom to the top they have a super club, I think it’s a guaranteed win this year,” Pena said from his home in Los Angeles during a conference call. It wasn’t Don Mattingly talking, but Pena made it known quickly that he will not be a meek Met.

Pena played a large role in the 1988 League Championship Series when the Dodgers beat the Mets in seven games. He was the winning pitcher in Game 4 when Roger McDowell gave up a home run to Kirk Gibson. Pena also won a game in the World Series against the Athletics. “But I didn’t get no appreciation,” he said.

Pena has spent his entire major-league career with the Dodgers, but is not upset about the trade that brought him and Mike Marshall to the Mets in exchange for Juan Samuel. “Sometimes a change is good for a player,” he said. “I wanted a change, but I didn’t expect a change so soon.”

Pena left the Dodgers with a career record of 38-38 and a 2.93 earned run average. He was annoyed that the Dodgers did not make him their bullpen closer even after he thought he proved himself. “I hope they (the Mets) give me that opportunity,” he said. “The Dodgers gave me that opportunity in 1987, then they go and get Jay Howell.”

Howell is one of the premier relievers in the league, but a notch below John Franco, who just happens to be with the Mets. Doesn’t that sound like Pena is in the same situation here? Davey Johnson has not said so for sure, but it appears Pena will be utilized as a right-handed setup man with Franco called on in the eighth or ninth inning.

“Nobody told me yet,” Pena said of his role. “We’ll have a meeting (Jan. 18). I would like to be a closer.”

The Mets have traditionally employed a system of right-handed and left-handed closers. Jesse Orosco teamed with McDowell and later McDowell teamed with Randy Myers, though that situation resulted in two unhappy players. Franco is not used to sharing his role.

Pena, 30, throws a fastball, slider and change. He also hopes to throw a curve at Johnson’s pitching plans. “I would be happy,” he said, “if they used me as a right-handed closer.”