In Praise of Jose Molina - Earning his next contract and pleasing countless Jays fans

With 162 games comprising a Major League season, it is easy to see how grinding and difficult the sweet game of Baseball truly is.  There are injuries to contend with, stiff competition (from your own teammates as well as your opponents) and night after night of playing all across America.  It never ends and is extremely exhausting on the players. This is why at the end of the day every player on a roster is important, because all will be called on to make contributions to their team throughout the rigours of a season.

Looking back at 2010 and the season that is left in 2011, one can't help but think of a Bluebird who has quietly but strongly contributed to the team across this grind - Jose Molina.  He has been rock-solid for this ball club and has  flown somewhat "under the radar" in terms of fan appreciation so I thought I would briefly highlight the important role Molina has played for the Blue Jays organization.

Molina has been an important piece for the Blue Jays in terms of mentorship and experience-sharing with his teammates.  As a former World Champion he knows a thing or two about the game and he has certainly shared that with John Buck and J.P. Arencibia.  This role as Mentor is something I noticed last year and I really respect Molina for what he brings to the table in that regard.

This season, the Jays have done right by J.P. Arencibia by playing him as much as possible. Still, in 48 games this season Jose Molina has provided some exceptional relief for Arencibia.  Molina has delivered for the team and fans, whether it is providing solid glove and game-calling skills with the mask on, or cashing in the game-winning run a la last night’s game against the Yankees with his bat (See here: http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2011/9/16/2430445/walk-off-hit-for-jose-molina-jays-beat-yankees)

Take a quick look at Molina’s stat line for this season;

G AB     H AVG 2B 3B HR RBI R SB BB OBP SLG

48 154 44 .286 10 1 3 13 19 2 15 .353 .422

You have to imagine that Jose Molina has earned a solid look from GM’s across MLB, and throughout this season Jose has delivered timely hits, runs and defensive plays like throwing out opposing base-runners at key moments.  He has provided strong mentorship to young Arencibia, who no doubt is soaking up everything he can like a sponge. Believe it or not, Molina, a 250 pound of a man, has even swiped a couple of bases!  Some in the Baseball blogosphere have been taking a run at Big Men lately so maybe they need to wise up and get on the train before it’s too late. Big is in, apparently, and I don't expect Jose to have any issues despite his weight (250+) nor his age (36).

Overall, I feel Jose Molina has earned himself a multiple-year contract next season and it will be well-deserved on his part.  He will bring the same tangible skill-set we saw in Toronto since his arrival to a new team, and will certainly be a strong addition for any club to consider.  I will remember him as one of the better catchers we have had in Toronto in a while and wish him all the best if he is gone to another team for a longer contract after this season.

Viva Jose Molina!!!