Cards Lock Up Molina

The Cardinals inked catcher Yadier Molina to a four year contract today worth a guaranteed $15.5 million.  Molina will make $1.75 million in 2008, $3.25 million in 2009, $4.25 million in 2010, and $5.25 million in 2011.  The contract also includes a $250,000 signing bonus, and an option for 2012 worth $7 million.

“I love being a Cardinal,” Molina said.  “I had to take it because I love being here. I love playing here in this beautiful city with the best fans.  Anybody can take that deal.  It’s great.  I feel happy.”

I think this is an excellent move.  Yadier is still only 25, and is arguably the best defensive catcher in baseball, although it seems as if the Gold Glove voters haven’t yet figured it out.

“There’s no reason you shouldn’t see some Gold Gloves from this kid,” Cardinals back-up catcher, Jason LaRue said.  “I as surprised he didn’t win won this (past) season.  This kid has got some unbelievable tools behind the plate.”

Molina’s cannon of an arm, combined with his fantastic footwork and record glove-to-hand transfer time, completely shut down the opposition’s running game.  Most around the Cardinals’ organization say his best asset, however, is his game calling and handling of the pitching staff.

“Yadier is the best catcher in the game, period,” Cardinals pitcher, Adam Wainwright said.  “The fact he has never won a Gold Glove is a joke.  And I’m sorry to anybody who voted for the other guy.  I know Russell’s good, but Yadier Molina is a blessing.  He just changes the game in so many ways.”

Molina has started to come around with the bat too.  After helping the Cardinals to a World Series championship in ’06, hitting .358 in the playoffs, including a .412 average in the Series, Yadi followed with a strong 2007, hitting .275 with 6 home runs.

Now that he’s locked up long term, the team may opt to use their top catching prospect, Bryan Anderson, as a trading chip.  For more on the Molina signing, visit the Post Dispatch, here.