Everyday until spring training begins the "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog will review one player from the Yankees roster. We will review a total of 25 players, the 25 we believe will be on the active roster after spring training. Our reviews are all edited by Carl Pavano himself to insure they're up to the stringent "Pavano Tough" standards.
Jose Molina is as good a backup catcher as they come. Over the last few years, the Yankees have had trouble finding a servicable replacement for John Flaherty. From Kelly Stinnet, to Sal Fasano, to Wil Nieves the Yankees simply could not feel confident in giving Posada a day off. In came Molina. Molina was traded to the Yankees from the Angels in 2007, and went on to hit .318 in New York. He was rewarded with a 2-year $4 million contract. What you want most out of your back up catcher is good defense, and to not be an automatic out. Last season wasn't the best year at the plate, but behind it, Molina proved valuable. Although he hit just .216, he did hit 17 doubles in just 268 at bats. He also happened to hit the last homerun ever in the history of Yankee stadium. One of three that he hit all season.
My Fearless Prediction:
Its easy to say that Molina will hit in the low .200's because that's mostly where he sits, but we forget that this is a walk year for him as well. I expect quality defense with an average near .250 and some occasional pop. His walk year will merit a new contract.
Little Known Molina Fact:
We all know that Molina is from the Molina clan that produces catchers that win championships. Bengie and Jose both won a championship with the Angels, and Yadier won one with the Cardinals. What you may not know is that their 4th brother, the Japanese catcher Ichiro Molina, also won a championship with the Yomiuri Giants.
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8 comments:
Best "little known fact" to date!!
You said you think he'll get a new contract. Silly question, but did you mean with the Yankees?
Yes. I mean, the back up catcher isn't super important, but finding a good one has proven difficult. Unless Molina has a horrible year, I think they'll keep him for a couple more seasons. Especially if they win it all this year.
I think they'll cut him loose and pick up a catcher with some pop in his bat, knowing full well that this may be JoPo's last season as the starter.
How Posada returns this season will play heavily into the decision, but I'll tell you now, that a catcher with pop is hard to come by, and will be costly. The 2010 free agent class of catchers does not look pretty. Anyone with a worthwhile bat has an option year with their former team, and the only true free agent with decent pop is Bengie Molina.
I do hope to see Jesus Montero by 2010 as a reserve and 2011 as a regular.
they thought they had that with pudge, but we all know how that went down. I sorta like him, but I am not sold... it is funny though how he will go down in history as the last yankee to hit a homer in the old stadium..I know when micheal kay does the somkeline quiz and that question pops up, i'll be prepared.. i'll never forget it...but hopefully posada will stay healthy this season.(but iw ouldnt count on it)
Yeah, I wouldn't bet my first child on it, but my 3rd or 4th? Absolutely.
Jose Molina will also go down in history as the catcher of Mussina's first and last 20th-win game.
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