MLB Network Analyst Carlos Pena: 'It's The Cardinals' Division To Lose'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan)- MLB Network Analyst and former Major Leaguer Carlos Beltran joined Andrew Fillipponi on "The Cook and Poni Show" Thursday to discuss the Pirates and the NL Central Division at the quarter pole of the season.
"The Cards are dominating baseball," Pena said. "They (Pirates) do have a chance to catch them, but they do have a lot of work to do. It's the Cardinals' division to lose."
Pena says the Cardinals haven't missed a beat despite losing the ace of their pitching staff, Adam Wainwright, for the year.
"You can't replace a Wainwright," Pena said. "But, if there is one organization who can handle it, it's the Cardinals."
Pena said he feels A.J. Burnett may be his biggest surprise of the season for how well he has pitched despite saying this is his farewell season.
"A.J. has been amazing," Pena said. "To see him have this success has been sweet."
Pena said a big reason for his success has been his ability to hide the curveball.
What about Pedro Alvarez?
Pena said Pedro's struggles are not with his swing and he can spend all the time he wants putting extra work in the batting cage, but it will not help him.
"It's not his swing," Pena said. "It's his strategy. It's his approach."
Listen to the full interview here: