Here's the latest from the NL Central, on the day the Brewers signed Jay Gibbons…
- The Brewers were one of the teams that offered Edgar Renteria a minor league contract, reports MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. “I don’t blame [him] for saying no,” said GM Doug Melvin. “He was a World Series MVP two years ago.” Earlier today we heard that Renteria was leaning towards retirement.
- Jeff Gordon of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch lists nine reasons why the Cardinals can't afford to lose Yadier Molina as a free agent at the end of the season.
- Earlier today we learned that there has been no progress in extension talks between the Reds and Brandon Phillips.
I like that the NL central has finally grown up and can have their own headline, not just Central teams like it was before and included the dreaded American League teams. 😉
Why is Jeff Gordon talking about Yadi? Shouldn’t he be talking about Jimmie Johnson or Tony Stewart?
Even if we have to over pay 1-2 million a year for Yadi it’s worth it. No in-house replacement, and any outside catcher is likely to cost near what it would take to get Yadi. They saved A LOT of money with AP moving on. A benefit to losing AP was being able to keep Molina, Waino, etc.
We cannot lose ANOTHER cornerstone player.
Also, there’s really no other catcher out that can replace Yadi and is even worth looking at to be the next back for the Cards. I think a deal needs to get done ASAP
Agreed. Letting this linger is not smart. They need to be aggressive with their negotiations and get it done. They need to show Molina that they want him, and that he’s important.
The main thing I worry about, other than losing him, would be his immense leverage. Definitely the best defensive catcher in baseball, good with the stick, and young enough to still have good years ahead. Also, the Cards have NO ONE in the minors capable of starting. Molina knows this. His agent knows this. They’re gonna make us pay.
But he is a leader and a second pitching coach. We NEED Yadi over the next 3-4 years. I’m not worried about a 34-35 year old Molina. Extremely durable, and hard working.
Get it done, Mo.
I would be very shocked if Mo and the Yadi’s agent haven’t talked over so numbers yet. I think a deal NEEDS to get done before the season or we could see a repeat of last year, which no Cardinal fan wants to see.
Regarding other options, I don’t see anybody on the free agent market after the season worth picking up if Yadi leaves. He needs to be the Cardinals catcher for years to come.
Hopefully he is. Like I said, I’m fine with a small over pay, say 5/60. He deserves it, and his intangibles are off the chart and priceless. My favorite player and a huge shame if he leaves.
I agree with ya. It would be devastating if Molina left especially with us having to deal with Pujols leaving just last year. I think over-paying for him isnt necessarily a bad thing especially with all the money that will be available. The Cardinals don’t really need many other areas to fill position wise after this upcoming season so Molina is the #1 priority
i have to disagree with this. I’d gladly take the added bat of Miguel Montero or Mike Napoli, both free agents at the same time.
Over Yadi? you’re crazy
What’s worse, losing Yadi to Yanks, Boston or LAA?
My bet is it wouldn’t matter as long as its not to the Cubs. That said, I think the idea of losing Molina is bad enough. Losing a solid defensive catcher without a clear replacement is never a good thing.
I hear ya. I thought maybe seeing him with Albert in Anaheim would be worse than anything. It will be interesting to see how the Cards handle this.
“Solid” doesn’t come close.
As long as he’s not a Red, Brewer, or Cub. But Angels would hurt the worst out of those 3.
Molina is going to want at least 5 years, possibly more. That’s a long time for a catcher in his 30’s who can’t play any other position. If he can no longer catch fulltime after 2-3 years you’re stuck with a big contract player for a couple more years and Molina is worthless if he can’t catch. I’d rather see the Cardinals trade him now or let him walk after the 2012 season. There are catchers out there who can learn from Mike Matheny. By 2013 someone like J.P. Arencibia may be obtainable when Travis d’Arnaud is ready to take over in Toronto. A longterm contract to a catcher turning 30 is too risky for a team on a limited budget. I love Yadi behind the plate and I appreciate what he has done for the Cardinals, but I wouldn’t think twice about letting him go.
No. No he wouldn’t.