Even though the 39-year-old has played 15 years in the big leagues and is facing major left knee surgery that requires up to a year of rehab, veteran catcher Jose Molina isn’t ready to hang up his spikes just yet. But with Yadier’s assistance, the middle Molina brother has joined the Cardinals as a guest instructor this Spring Training. From Jenifer Langosch of Cardinals.com:
Jose Molina jumped at the chance to spend time with his younger brother and to “be around the great organization that the Cardinals are.” The Cardinals see the opportunity as one that could lead to a permanent future role, as they have been seeking to fill a roving catching instructor position ever since Mike Matheny vacated it to become manager.
“I hope we can end up with something,” general manager John Mozeliak said. “He’s a very impressive guy. Talking to him this morning, I think he could bring a lot that could help us. … I got to know [2013 Cardinals assistant hitting coach] Bengie [Molina] very well. I know Yadi. My expectations [for Jose Molina] were high, and I’m sure he’ll meet them, if not exceed them.”
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has manager Mike Matheny’s take on Jose:
“What we try to do is bring instructors who bring something,” manager Mike Matheny said. “He’s got a great reputation in this game. Plus, just being available for a little different perspective. He’s got such a great reputation for how he receives the ball. His style is a little different than Yadi’s, it’s a little different than mine. It’s just a great resource for our young kids.”
Molina has played for five teams throughout his 15 seasons in the majors, seven of which with the Los Angeles Angels. Known as one of the best pitch framers in the game, Molina owns a .233 career batting average with 39 home runs and 223 RBI.
With the addition of the Jose to the coaching staff, all three Molina brothers have now worn the birds on the bat at some time, as Bengie Molina served as an assistant hitting coach just two years ago.
Read more on Jose Molina’s addition to the coaching staff from Cardinals.com and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Feature image used under Creative Commons from Keith Allison. No changes made. Image License.
