A Quick Word: It's the little things that make Yadier Molina different
Saturday was another example of higher Yadi-mindedness.
Yadier Molina knew the story before it was even told.
The San Francisco Giants were planning on a steal with pinch-runner Joc Pederson, and Molina saw it all unfolding. Standing up with his helmet off to observe the situation, Molina looked over at the opposing dugout with a knowing gaze. He knew what was being cooked up with Pederson’s arrival. He didn’t even get completely set behind homeplate before Dakota Hudson fired a perfect pitch to the rising Cardinals catcher.
Pederson was out by more than a foot, Edmundo Sosa waiting in the wings to apply the tag. The shortstop could have checked his Instagram, Molina had it timed so well. Just the latest reason why he is one of the best to ever play the position.
Opposing sportswriters will roll their eyes at that last sentence, even admitting there is some questionable status sitting around Molina’s Hall of Fame credentials. I can’t blame them, because they don’t get to see him play every day. To them, he’s a constant name being shoved into their ears, with only the highlights to see.
St. Louis baseball fans get the best view each game. I’ve seen him peer out from behind the dish, scanning the field for weaknesses and seeing if the runners are going to break the law. The law being stealing a base on a guy who owns nine Gold Gloves. Molina is tied with third baseman Nolan Arenado for team lead in G.G. trophies.
Seeing what he did on Saturday has become as natural to watch as witnessing the coffee being brewed in the morning.
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