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A18 SPORTS
Friday 27 January 2017
Cardinals debating resting Molina more behind the plate

KURT VOIGT ity to continue playing at a form is upsetting for many
AP Sports Writer high level, he’s also aware fans.For Mozeliak, it’s about
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The offsea- that last season was the first balancing what Molina is
son discussion surround- time the Cardinals have now with what he hopes to
ing Yadier Molina has long missed the playoffs over be in the years to come.
centered on whether the that stretch — with much of “I do feel like, from a gener-
St. Louis catcher should rest the prior success coming in al manager’s seat, that you
more during the season. large part to Molina. would want to balance
After Molina played in a “It’s frustrating, frustrating that and try to protect
career-high 147 games last for me because I remem- him better than we have,”
year, that consideration ber the years when I was Mozeliak said. “But, the guy
is in the forefront more able to play a lot,” Matheny loves to play. He trains ex-
than ever for the 34-year- said. “There were times I felt tremely hard to prepare
old winner of eight Gold good, and it just made no himself in the offseason for
Gloves. So is the aware- sense. And for whatever that 162 (games), and he’s
ness that his time as one of reason, sometimes you can not an easy guy to talk to
the dominant backstops feel a lot of pressure of the get out of that lineup.”
in baseball might soon start outside influences saying Despite turning 34 during
winding down. that you shouldn’t be play- the middle of last season,
The discussion about Mo- ing.” Mozeliak’s comments Molina was at his best of-
lina’s playing time hasn’t about resting Molina more fensively over the last few
been limited to only fans, In this Sept. 24, 2016, file photo, St. Louis Cardinals’ Yadier Molina weren’t his first on the top- months of the season. He
with Cardinals general hits a two-run double against the Chicago Cubs during the first ic. However, his interest has hit .365 after the All-Star
manager John Mozeliak inning of a baseball game in Chicago. likely taken on more of a break, and his .307 batting
recently saying he feels Associated Press big-picture feel as the five- average for the season was
Molina would be “better feel is going to help us win He’s managed Molina year contract extension the third best in his career.
off” with more rest. This af- games, and that I feel is since 2012, during which Molina signed in 2012 nears Matheny said Molina is bet-
ter a season in which the able to answer the bell, time the catcher — who its end.The catcher is under ter than most about telling
Puerto Rican star didn’t he’s going to be in the line- has been a part of nine contract for $14 million in him when he needs a day
win the Gold Glove for the up.” Matheny knows more playoff appearances and 2017, and there is a $15 mil- off to rest, and the man-
first time since 2007. than most about the gru- two World Series titles since lion mutual option for 2018, ager said he plans to con-
It’s not an opinion shared eling demands of catch- debuting in 2004 — has with a $2 million buyout. tinue watching the catcher
by St. Louis manager Mike ing over the course of a played in an average of Molina has said in the past for signs of wear and tear.
Matheny. 162-game season, having 133 games per season. he prefers to remain in St. All the while, though, he’s
“My job description is to won four Gold Gloves of his And while Matheny under- Louis for the remainder of well aware there’s only one
win games,” Matheny said. own for his work behind the stands the long-term con- his career, and the idea of Yadier Molina behind the
“And if I’ve got a player I plate. cerns about Molina’s abil- him in another team’s uni- plate.q

Luis Valbuena finalizes $15 million,

2-year deal with Angels

GREG BEACHAM wait for Albert Pujols to get plate appearances in 2018
AP Sports Writer healthy. or 2017-18 combined: 425-
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Valbuena and the Angels 800, 450-820 and 475-875.
Luis Valbuena fills several completed a $15 million, He would get a one-time
needs and opens up sev- two-year contract Tues- $500,000 assignment bonus
eral possibilities for the Los day. if traded.
Angeles Angels while they The power-hitting corner Valbuena sounded thrilled
infielder will play both po- to land with the Angels
sitions for the Angels, who after an offseason of free
In this July 7, 2016, file photo,
Houston Astros third baseman are coming off their worst agency,
Luis Valbuena (18) fields a record since 1999. citing his friendship with Pu-
ball hit by the Oakland Ath- The 31-year-old Valbuena jols as a big attraction in
letics Khris Davis in the fourth spent the past two years Orange County.
inning of a baseball game in with the Houston Astros, “I feel good, because I like
Houston. batting .260 last season that team,” Valbuena said.
Associated Press
with 13 homers and 40 RBIs “I wanted to be here be-
despite missing the final cause I’ve got a good re-
two months with a ham- lationship with a couple of
string injury. guys on the team.”
He gets $6.5 million this With Pujols possibly side-
year and $8 million in 2018, lined past opening day
and there is an $8.5 million following offseason foot
mutual option for 2019. He surgery, Valbuena is likely
would get a $500,000 buy- to play extensively at first
out if the Angels decline base for the Angels.
the option. He also provides a valuable
The option price would es- left-handed bat in a lineup
calate by $500,000 each heavy with right-handed
at three levels based on hitters. q