
The Yadi-Knizner Dynamic
When Cardinals managers in the past have declared that Yadi Molina’s backup would be seeing more playing time, we learned just to think, “yeah, sure he will.” So, it’s understandable no one took new Cardinals manager Oli Marmol very seriously when he indicated current Molina backup, Andrew Knizner, would be getting more work during the upcoming season.
Well, Lo and Behold, that’s what has happened. Knizner has started four of the Cardinals first eight games, three of those being in the just completed 4 game series vs Brewers. And…apparently with the blessings of Molina.
What’s changed?
However, the Cardinals are also preparing for the post Molina era. We know this will likely be Yadi’s last year and it’s understandable the Cardinals want to know what they have in Andrew Knizner.
Knizner impressed the Cardinals in the off season by playing in the DWL to work on his hitting skills. Once again it’s early, but the payoff for 27-year old Knizner and the Cardinals is a BA of .333 and a OPS of .975.