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NLDS Preview: Cubs vs. Cardinals Part One
Jul 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher
Yadier Molinaagainst the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Catcher
Cardinals: Yadier Molina/Tony Cruz – The reason I listed both backup and starter here is that we all know that David Ross will start game one with Jon Lester on the mound, and it is still unknown whether or not Yadier Molina will be starting game one of the NLDS. Experience is not overrated in the postseason, Molina has played in 86 career postseason games.
Which, according to Derrick Goold is the most by any NL catcher ever. I wouldn’t expect too much from Molina offensively, despite his career .290 average in the postseason. That is fine. The Cardinals need him out there defensively and anything he can offer at the plate is a plus at this point.
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Cubs: Miguel Montero/David Ross – Montero/Ross combination is clearly one sided in terms of offense as Montero has 15 homers in 113 games this season with a .248 average. Ross, does have the postseason experience from his time in Boston, but he won’t start unless Lester is starting as Ross has 1 homer and 9 RBI in 79 games played this season.
Advantage: Clear advantage goes to the Cardinals if Yadier Molina starts. However, it easily switches to the Cubs if Yadi is unable to go. I shouldn’t have to tell Cardinals fans why Molina is the better catcher, but in case you are a Cubs fan and somehow think Molina is overrated, look at this article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch regarding Molina’s importance.