The biggest element of the Yankees’ midseason makeover was on display yesterday with Joba Chamberlain picking up his first save. But another piece that they changed in the middle of the summer also played a role in yesterday’s 7-5 victory over Toronto.
Jose Molina, getting a start at catcher, went 3-for-4 with a season-high three RBIs. The 32-year-old catcher is not the sensation the 22-year-old reliever is, and has not had the same impact, but he’s filled a hole for the Yankees that hurt them during their struggles in April and May.
Brian Cashman acquired Molina from the Angels on July 21 as he tried to pump some life into his bench. The team’s backup catcher, Wil Nieves, had been an out wearing a uniform. He went 10-for-61 (.164) and only had a multi-hit game twice in 26 games. The Yankees had to accept a severe dip in offense whenever Jorge Posada needed a day off.
The trade benefited Molina as much as it did the Yankees. He was in Anaheim, struggling to fit into the team’s puzzle. The team clearly wanted its young catchers, Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis, to get the majority of the time behind the plate. That left Molina with little playing time.
“I didn’t know exactly what the role was,” Molina said. “I knew I wasn’t the No. 1 for sure. Over there wasn’t for sure one thing. It was whatever [Mike Scioscia] wants. Those days are already in the past. I don’t even think about it anymore. I’m here now, ready to win here. That’s what matters.”
Molina came through yesterday with several big hits and helped starter Mike Mussina navigate through some early trouble. He also played some defense, picking off Alex Rios at first and selling a questionable tag of Greg Zaun at home. Molina had two RBI singles and an RBI double.
Not bad for a No. 9 hitter.
“I don’t care where I am in the lineup,” Molina said. “I just go up there and try to do my best and help the team win.”
The Yankees needed the start from Molina yesterday after Posada caught 10 innings Saturday and nine on Friday. Molina has hit safely in nine of his last 10 starts and 10 of his 14 starts since joining the Yankees.
Yesterday was his third time catching Mussina. After a rough second inning, the two got into a groove. Mussina said he enjoys throwing to him and has also noticed the hole he’s filled for the team.
“Offensively, Molina’s helped us out considerably,” Mussina said. “It seems like every time he gets a chance to play he gets a hit or two.”