Hi! My Name Is: Jose Molina (C)

Each day, "Piss and Wynegar" will present Yankees "player previews" for the coming 2008 season. In what can only be referred to as a "revelatory" strategy, we will use statistics, as well as opinion, to further our analysis.

In signing Jose Molina to a two-year contract the Yankees assured themselves of some much-needed speed off of the bench. (Bah-dah-bum!) We’ll be here all season. But, seriously, folks, having Molina as the backup backstop is one of those “little things” that can actually make a big difference when the year is over with and done. In a split (and, admittedly, non-existent) 2007 with the Angels and Yankees, Molina threw out 42% of runners attempting to steal, showed contortionist-like dexterity behind the plate and, by all accounts, was a guy the pitching staff liked throwing to.

Yankees fans should not expect much at the plate, as Molina’s .318/.333/.439 with the Bombers was not indicative of his career .245/.281/.348. That said, however, a well-timed hit here and there is not out of the question. Most importantly, though, Jose provides veteran presence and stability in a role that has wreaked havoc on the Yankees for years. I’m looking at you, Handsome Wil Nieves, Kelly Stinnet, Sal Fasano, and John Flaherty.

To read earlier "Hi! My Name Is" entries, click here.