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2007 Molina broke up the family when he departed from Anaheim a year ago, but now that he`s off on his solo career, he`s singing a different tune than his brothers. While Molina hit more home runs last season than Jose and Yadier have in their entire respective careers, his defense has gone the other way. Bengie allowed 68 of 83 baserunners to steal successfully last season, something that was not helpful to a pitching staff that gives up more than its share of baserunners. He`ll probably lose some power in San Francisco`s home park next season, but now that he`s turned 32, the Giants probably figured they could afford to gamble. 2005 Thanks to a fractured finger and a strained calf, Molina spent about as long as the voyage of Noah's ark on the shelf (fortunately, the Molinas had come two by two). When ambulatory, he came within a few points of duplicating his career percentages. The difference between this year and last year's moderately productive season can be found in the lefty-mashing department, where the Love of Bengie dropped from a .544 slugging percentage to .398. The Angels would do well to find an Adam Melhuse type; Molina could be considerably more valuable and durable playing four days a week and being spared the toughest righties. 2003 This is not a ballplayer you want to give 450 plate appearances to. On the bright side, it gives the Angels something they don’t have: a problem that’s fairly easy to fix. Molina hits like a defensive substitute, and few teams are good enough to absorb this kind of hit to their offensive production on a daily basis. He doesn’t hit for average, doesn’t hit for power, doesn’t draw walks, and grounds into a ton of double plays. He does work well with the pitchers and he can throw, so they’ll run him out there as long as things are pretty rosy. That’s a mistake. 2002 Another in the parade of Angels hitters with high batting averages and limited secondary skills, Molina regressed in his second year as a starter. He's a reliable defensive catcher who isn't going to get much better with the bat. He’ll be the starter in Anaheim in 2002. 2001 While Ben Molina's translated statistics don't look good, consider that he was about average for his position offensively, played good defense, and is still improving. A left-handed-hitting backup would help, as Molina hit for much less power against righties. The Angels have invited Jorge Fabregas to spring training, hardly a solution. 2000 A few years ago, Molina spent as much time at other positions as behind the plate, due to questions about his defense. He’s turned himself into a fair catcher; he hasn’t hit since Double-A, though, and the last thing the Angels need is another offensive problem in the lineup. The team was very impressed with him in September, particularly his glove. He’ll have at least a share of the catching job. 1999 By paying more than about $400,000 for their catchers this year, the Angels have made a mistake. Hemphill and Molina could step in and be an effective, cheap platoon until Dewey is ready. You'll hear a lot of nonsense about the "veteran presence" a warmed-over out like Matt Walbeck supposedly provides, but when your rotation is older than dirt (Chuck Finley, Ken Hill, expected FA signing), how much presence do you need? Ask Finley, who is notorious for his lack of run support, what he'd rather have: presence or runs. Molina's probably stretched as an everyday catcher; as a platoon partner, he would be a nice surprise. 1998 Molina hasn’t gotten much notice, but is another Angel catching prospect. Started the year hurt, played moderately well at Lake Elsinore, and was called up to Midland to help when good-field, OK-hit Bret Hemphill was injured. Crushed the ball, and was kept around to DH when Hemphill returned. Will eventually reach the majors, and should be a contributor for a few years.
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