Brayan Pena

Brayan Pena

Since word got out on Monday that the Cardinals have signed catcher Brayan Pena, the 33-year old veteran took to Twitter to not only express his excitement about joining Yadier Molina, but he has been retweeting every well wish from Cincinnati Reds fans and those in Cardinals Nation that are welcoming him to St. Louis.

You can welcome Brayan (pronounced Brian) on Twitter

“I know my role. I understand my role. And I embrace my role. I know I have a Hall of Famer in front of me.”

Pena has played 11 seasons in the Majors, including Atlanta (2005-08), the Royals (2009-12), Detroit (2013) and, most recently, Cincinnati (2014-15). He started a career-high 84 games behind the plate for the Reds this year and threw out 13 of 58 attempting basestealers.  He hit .273 and the switch hitter can also play first base.

Pena is a more reliable option than Tony Cruz behind the plate.