Yadier Molina

Full Name: Yadier B. Molina Primary Position: C Height/Weight: 5' 11"/185 First Game: June 3, 2004 Birthdate: July 13, 1982 MLB Experience: 3 years Birthplace: Bayamon, Puerto Rico Bat/Throw: Right/Right

Biography

Yadier Molina (Yadier B. Molina) was born on July 13, 1982 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He made his Major League debut on June 3, 2004 for the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2004, his rookie year, he hit .267 with 2 home runs and 15 RBI. Molina played for the St. Louis Cardinals for his entire 3 year career.

Scouting Report

Offense Hasn't lived up to potential as a hitter showed in minors. Has mediocre power for a catcher with above average contact skills, but often gets himself out on pitches anywhere but down the middle. Should be an above average hitter for a catcher, but has not demonstrated the ability. Very slow on the basepaths. Defense True difference maker behind the plate, shutting down the running game entirely. Very quick release with perhaps the strongest arm for a catcher in the major leagues. Has picked off numerous runners at first base and is very willing to throw. Almost pointless to steal if the pitch is above the ground. Runners, even with great jumps, are gunned down at phenomenal rate as long as he catches the ball. Inconsistent blocking skills that mix perfection with laziness. Best Year <stats> Player=Yadier Molina Type=Batting Years=2005 </stats> Most Known For The youngest of three brothers in the major leagues. Molina's two brothers, Bengie Molina and Jose Molina are also major league catchers, Bengie with the Toronto Blue Jays, and Jose with the Los Angeles Angels. Many experts feel that Yadier Molina has the potential to be better than either of his brothers.

Statistics

Batting Stats

Year	Team		G	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	2B	3B	BB	SO	HBP	SH	SB	IBB	GDP
2004	STL	N	51	135	12	36	2	15	.267	.329	.356	6	0	13	20	0	2	0	3	4
2005	STL	N	114	385	36	97	8	49	.252	.295	.358	15	1	23	30	2	8	2	3	10
2006	STL	N	129	417	29	90	6	49	.216	.274	.321	26	0	26	41	8	8	1	2	15
2007	STL	N	111	353	30	97	6	40	.275	.340	.368	15	0	34	43	3	2	1	5	18
Total			405	1290	107	320	22	153	.248	.304	.349	62	1	96	134	13	20	4	13	47

Fielding Stats

Year	Team		POS	G	GS	INN	PO	A	ERR	DP	TP	PB	SB	CS	PkO	AVG
2004	STL	N	C	51	39	344	256	16	2	1	0	4	9	8	1	.993
2005	STL	N	1B	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
2005	STL	N	C	114	111	959.1	683	66	7	4	0	8	14	25	9	.991
2006	STL	N	C	127	118	1037.1	734	79	4	6	0	7	37	29	8	.995
2006	STL	N	1B	4	0	5	5	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	.833
2007	STL	N	C	107	101	861.1	580	63	6	8	7	23	27	2	0	.991
2007	STL	N	1B	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1.000
Total			1B	6	0	7	6	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	.857
Total			C	399	369	3202	2253	224	19	19	0	26	83	89	20	.992

Transactions

• Selected by St. Louis Cardinals in the 4th round of the free-agent draft (June 5, 2000 - signed September 6, 2000).