From Joel Sherman (NY Post):
Also, the Yanks continue to mull what is their best roster construction when Jose Molina returns from the DL. They love the energy and defense Francisco Cervelli has brought, but wonder if holding three catchers is prudent since they are not prepared yet to make Jorge Posada more of a full-time DH.I floated the possibility to a few Yankee officials of following the Met path: The Mets liked how Omir Santos played while Ramon Castro and starter Brian Schneider were on the DL, so when it was time to activate Castro, the Mets decided to trade him instead (to the White Sox) and commit to Santos as the backup. Could the Yanks look to deal Molina rather than activate him and commit to Cervelli as the backup? Yankee officials say there are no current plans to do that.
I think holding 3 catchers is a waste of roster space. For the past few days I’ve wondered why the Yankees don’t consider moving Molina if they like Cervelli as much as they say they do. Molina reportedly worked on his stamina in the offseason so that he could play the entire year if Jorge’s shoulder was a continued issue, therefore, if a team can absorb the impact of his weak bat, then they could possibly make a run at him as a full-time player. Plus, his defensive value is still very real, whether he’s a backup or an everyday guy. However, if you’re wondering what the Yankees could get for Molina, that’s the problem. I don’t see them getting anything very useful—i.e., a bullpen arm, etc—in return, especially if Molina is owed $2 million in the current market. It’s Jose Molina, not Mark DeRosa. Maybe that’s the case and they would rather hold on to him for that reason.
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12 Responses to What to do with Molina
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TIQ IQ
I really dont know what the best move would be. Cervelli has been excellent, how do you send him down? On the flip side, if you trade him and Jorge gets hurt, you have a Kevin Cash type getting plenty of time behind the plate.
I know it’s a small sample size, but Cervelli looks like a better backup. He can hit better, run better, and if you look at the stats from this year, he can catch better. He has fewer passed balls (zero) in more innings than Molina. He’s got a .412 caught stealing percentage compared to .235 for Molina. And the pitchers apparently love throwing to Cervelli. I don’t see how you can keep Molina over Cervelli. They should trade Molina… for anything. If not, DFA him.
I agree, Frankie. The Yankees may think about keeping Molina around, though, maybe to help Andy Pettitte find his form. Andy and Molina have been a good pair, and if the Yankees think Pettitte can be righted once he returns—he seemed to flounder with Molina gone—that could be the primary reason Cervelli is sent down.
If Molina is worth a couple of decent young prospects, I’d trade him.
If not, I’d think about carrying 3 catchers.
If MAtsui doesn’t start hitting Posada can Dh more often and the better defensive catchers can catch.
Yea, I don’t think they’ll get anything of value (prospects), but if they can, I’d definitely do the trade.
Pete Abe’s solution, not a terrible idea: send Cervelli and Pena down to play everyday, both can start next season the big club. Bring back Molina and bring up another pinch hitter, ala John Rodriguez or Shelley Duncan.
That makes sense. I’d like to see what J-Rod can do.
Pena’s value is in his defense. I would not be killed if they sent him down but our bats seem fine lately so I just assume let him stay up and get some ABs in games where A-Rod or Jeter have the night off. With A-Rod that will be once a week so hopefully he can keep it going.
As the wise Charles Oakley once said: “If it’s not broke, don’t break it.”
Keeping Ransom instead of Pena would be horrible move. Ransom is a bad hitter and a poor fielder. Pena is a great fielder and has very good speed. At least he’s good at two things. The idea that you send down the young guys just because you can is incredibly stupid. No wonder it came from Abraham.
I think they’ll send down Cervelli, but if they truly believe that Pena’s upside is as a defensive IF, then they should just keep him around. I never understood how Cashman even considered Ransom a good enough backup when A-Rod was scheduled for surgery. He offers NOTHING, other than some power (and that’s if he actually, you know, hits the ball).
No way Cervelli should go down.That would be truly pointless
I agree, but they’ll probably want him to develop more down in the minors. Molina is owed $2 million and if he stays with the team, then that would be the end for Cervelli (for this year, anyway). That’s why I offer the idea of trading Molina.