Why the St. Louis Cardinals should encourage Yadier Molina to play first base in World Baseball Classic
Molina has dabbled at first base on rare occasions in the past as a late inning replacement in most instances. Molina has appeared at first base 26 times during his nine year career and has made just one start at first base, which came in 2008.According to Jennifer Langosch of StlCardinals.com, Cardinals' manager Mike Matheny gave Molina the start at first base on Thursday because there is a good chance that Molina plays the position some in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico's roster really does not have a quality first baseman, but the team is deep at catcher. Molina's brother, Jose Molina, will also play for Puerto Rico and if manager Edwin Rodriguez wants to get both Molinas in the lineup, Yadier could play first base.
The St. Louis Cardinals should be one hundred percent on board with this scenario and here is why.
The Cardinals rely on Yadier Molina more than any other position player on the roster. Matheny needs Molina to catch 135 or more games if this team plans on competing for a National League Central Division championship.
If Molina is not behind the plate during the World Baseball Classic, and instead at first base, he will be less likely to wear down later in the season. Playing first base will also decrease his chances of getting hurt as he will not have an opportunity to be involved in any possible plays at the plate, which has been a topic that has been heavy in the news of late.
Molina is so valuable not only because of his defense and his ability to shutdown the opposition's running game, but also for his ability to handle pitchers, which could be even more important this season with youngsters like Shelby Miller and Trevor Rosenthal likely on the pitching staff.
Molina also provides great depth in the Cardinals' potent lineup. Molina had a career high 22 home runs and 76 RBIs while hitting .315 in 2012.
Molina does not need any extra, high impact games behind the plate in March while wearing a Puerto Rico uniform. It can only slow him down and limit his offensive production in 2013.
It is nearly impossible to deny a player the opportunity to play for one's home country, so you can not blame the Cardinals for letting Molina play in the World Baseball Classic. Molina deserves that right and he has earned it.
But the Cardinals should certainly do everything within their power to help Molina get through the exhibition tournament injury-free. Encouraging Molina to play first base for Puerto Rico is in the best interest of Molina, the organization, and likely the Puerto Rico national team too.
Corey Rudd is the owner and founder of StlSportsMinute.com (@StlSportsMinute) and hosts The Cruddy Show (@CruddyShow), a St. Louis sports talk show, every Tuesday and Friday night at 9:30 pm CT. You can also follow Rudd on Twitter (@CoreyRudd).
