News: According to CSNBayArea.com, catcher Bengie Molina has retired from baseball. Molina batted .274 with 144 home runs and 711 RBI while playing for the Angels, Blue Jays, Giants and Rangers during his 13 year career.
Analysis: Molina was always known for his defensive prowess and developed some decent power for a backstop, which made him very valuable in Fantasy. After not playing last season, this announcement was somewhat expected so owners should continue to plan on ignoring him in all Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: SI.com reports on Tuesday that catcher Bengie Molina will not play for anyone during the 2011 season. The free agent is saying he's still not officially retired, but it is unlikely any team will sign the 37-year-old this year.
Analysis: Molina is unlikely to ever suit up in a major league game again at this point. Molina played parts of 13 seasons for the Angels, Blue Jays, Giants and Rangers, winning two Gold Gloves while with the Angels. Molina finished with a .249 batting average with five homers and 36 RBI between San Francisco and Texas last year. He doesn't have any Fantasy value at this time.
News: According CBSSports.com senior baseball writer C. Trent Rosecrans, former San Francisco C Bengie Molina told the San Jose Mercury News that "heck yeah" he could put on a uniform tomorrow, but would be open to spending a couple of weeks in the minors if the Giants wanted him to return after the loss of star catcher Buster Posey. Still, Molina noted he has yet to hear from the team and he doesn't expect one because of the way his tenure in San Francisco ended. Molina was not happy about the fact general manager Brian Sabean publicly said the Giants signed him to a one-year deal before the 2010 season just to serve as a bridge to Posey, and then replace him when Posey was ready. "That tells you what a person he is, I guess," Molina said at the World Series. "He never tells me anything."
Analysis: While Molina, 36, doesn't have the best relationship with Sabean, he said he "almost cried" when he saw what happened to Posey on Wednesday night. "It's a terrible, terrible thing. I feel so sad for him, for the team, for the fans," Molina said. "Our wives are friends, too. I sent him a text saying I am hopeful and praying for him." Molina played parts of 13 seasons for the Angels, Blue Jays, Giants and Rangers, winning two Gold Gloves while with the Angels. Molina finished with a .249 batting average with five homers and 36 RBI between San Francisco and Texas last year.
News: According to the San Jose Mercury News, free-agent C Bengie Molina said on Monday that he is not retired, but he will not play this season unless he receives a guaranteed deal with a respectable salary. Molina batted .249 with five homers and 36 RBI in 118 games between the Giants and Rangers last season.
Analysis: Molina saw a serious dropoff in his production last season and was forced out of San Francisco after the emergence of Buster Posey. He averaged over 16 home runs with 72 RBI from 2003-09, but at age 36 it is unknown if he can still produce at that level. Keep an eye out to see if he receives an offer. But since he is currently jobless, plan on ignoring Molina in all Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: This World Series run might be it for Bengie Molina. The 36-year-old Rangers catcher said Tuesday he is leaning toward retiring after this year, his 13th major-league season. Molina, whose brothers Jose and Yadier are also big-league catchers, had hoped for a multi-year contract last winter and didn't get it. Instead, he re-signed for a fourth season with the Giants, who wound up trading him to Texas on July 1 to make room in the catcher spot for talented rookie Buster Posey.
Analysis: Molina took a huge step back statistically this year after five straight years with 15-20 homers. His bat seemed to slow down at age 36, and he wasn't offering plus production in any category. Even if he returns in 2011, he wouldn't necessarily be a starter, so you wouldn't have much reason to target him in Fantasy.
News: Texas C Bengie Molina gave the Rangers the spark they needed to beat the New York Yankees on Tuesday in the American League Championship Series Game 4. Molina hit a long home run to left field in the sixth inning for a three-run blast that gave the Rangers the lead for good. Molina took starter A.J. Burnett deep for his first of the ALCS. He finished 3 for 4 in the game and scored twice. Molina is hitting .417 for the series.
Analysis: Molina homered in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Rays and has been a consistent force behind the plate for Texas throughout the playoffs. With two playoff homers, Molina's bat has really woken up after he went 48 games without one in the regular season. Molina hit only .229 (33 for 144) during that 48-game stretch, which gives you an even better idea just how far he has fallen. He did heat up toward the end of the season, batting .476 (10 for 21) over his final six games. Molina is hoping to have a starting job next season. He'd only be worth owning in Fantasy if he's starting.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina, who hit only .249 with five homers this year after five straight years with 15 or more homers, turned back the clock in Game 1 of the ALDS at Tampa Bay on Wednesday, going 3 for 4 with two RBI. The homer was his first since July 16. He went 48 games without one.
Analysis: Molina hit only .229 (33 for 144) during that 48-game stretch, which gives you an even better idea just how far he has fallen. He did heat up toward the end of the season, batting .476 (10 for 21) over his final six games, so maybe Wednesday's performance was just a continuation of that. His bat speed has suddenly disappeared at age 36, making him no longer worth owning in Fantasy. He'll likely need a huge postseason to enter 2011 with a starting job, so you shouldn't expect him to get many looks on Draft Day.
News: Texas C Bengie Molina went 0 for 4 on Wednesday against Kansas City. He saw just eight pitches in the game to make four outs. Molina is batting .214 with Texas. He snapped a little three-game hit streak with the 0-fer on Wednesday.
Analysis: Molina made 16 starts in August and batted .250 over 56 at-bats with no homers, three doubles and six RBI. He hasn't contributed all that much and his playing time may be reduced down the stretch despite him staying the team's top catching option. Still, as long as he's getting consistent at-bats, Molina is worth using in deeper mixed Fantasy formats.
News: MLB.com reports that Rangers C Bengie Molina will remain the No. 1 catcher in Texas despite Matt Treanor getting activated from the disabled list Monday. Manger Ron Washington said Molina will remain the No. 1, but he wants to change up how he uses the veteran. Washington said he wants to start Molina three straight games and then Treanor for two straight. "Both will be at their best if they are rested," Washington said. "We'll give them their games, but we'll also take care of them."
Analysis: Molina has been struggling a bit of late, batting .243 in August with just five RBI. The 36-year-old appears to be wearing down and will probably benefit from getting two straight games off. Hopefully he can heat back up in the Rangers potent offense. Continue to use him in deeper mixed leagues at the thin catcher position.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina, who really struggled at the plate immediately following his move to Texas, is 3 for 7 with a pair of doubles and RBI in his last two games.
Analysis: Molina is a career .274 hitter, but is only at .247 this season and his slugging percentage has dropped more than 100 points from 2009. If he can get hot down the stretch in that potent Texas lineup, Molina's Fantasy value would jump very quickly, but for now he remains only worth using in very deep mixed formats.
News: Texas C Bengie Molina has not hit all that well since coming over to the Texas Rangers and playing in his first game on July 2. Molina, entering Tuesday's game against the Yankees, has gone 17 for 79 (.215) since joining the Rangers over 26 games and 23 starts. He has two homers and nine RBI with eight strikeouts.
Analysis: Molina's batting average for the season stands at .246 and he has just five homers and 26 RBI through 87 games and 281 at-bats with two teams. His potential has kept him owned and used in many mixed Fantasy leagues at a thin position, but the Rangers would really like him to start getting hot and Fantasy owners are getting a little frustrated.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina ended July on a sour note, going hitless in Saturday's win over the Angels. He went 0 for 3. Over his last 12 games, he's batting .114 (4 for 35).
Analysis: Molina is in the middle of an epic slump right now. In those 12 games, he has only one walk, one run, one RBI, and no extra-base hits. He wasn't having a good season by any stretch of the imagination, but it's really hard to justify starting him in even the deepest of mixed Fantasy leagues right now.
News: Rangers catcher Bengie Molina will continue to make the majority of starts behind the plate for Texas, according to MLB.com. With Matt Treanor going on the disabled list, manager Ron Washington had to call up Taylor Teagarden from Double-A Frisco to be the new backup. "Molina is going to be getting most of the time. Teagarden is the backup. Bottom line," Washington said. "Because of what happened, Matt Treanor was supposed to get Friday and yesterday. Molina is pushed into action without having a day off." With Texas leading the AL West, Washington also hasn't discounted having to use Molina everyday. "No doubt," Washington said. "At some point, it might end up being (Bengie) Molina as we move down the stretch."
Analysis: Molina is hitting the ball great since being traded to Texas, but he's a good defensive catcher -- better then what the Rangers had -- and can produce some runs.His .255 average, five homers, 24 RBI and 21 runs scored aren't great numbers but are serviceable at a relatively weak position. He is best used for deeper mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina was in the starting lineup posted for Saturday's game against the Angels. He replaced Matt Treanor behind the plate.
Analysis: Since being acquired from San Francisco at the beginning of July, Molina is batting .244 with two home runs and seven RBI. He has become a mainstay behind the plate for the Rangers and his five home runs and 24 RBI make him a viable option in deeper mixed leagues.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina was held out of the lineup posted for Friday's game against the Angels. Backup Matt Treanor got the start in his place against Angels starter Joe Saunders.
Analysis: Molina should return to the lineup for Saturday's game, but Fantasy owners with the ability to reserve him in daily lineup formats should go ahead and do so. Molina tweaked his quadriceps last weekend against the Red Sox while hitting a rare triple on his way to his first (and probably last) career cycle. He remains a plus-hitter at the weak catcher position and is a viable play in any format.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina, who hit for the cycle on Friday night but left the game early with a tight quad, was not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers. But his absence in the lineup was not because of his injury, rather that manager Ron Washington wanted to give backup Matt Treanor two starts behind the plate, according to MLB.com. Molina said that resting on Sunday gave him a chance for his quad to heal. "I've done it before, so I knew what it was and it's gone away," Molina said. "A couple of days of rest helped it." Molina also had his catcher's gear adjusted so it would not aggravate his injury.
Analysis: Since being acquired from San Francisco at the beginning of July, Molina is batting .257 with two homers and six RBI. His cycle on Friday was an extreme rarity so Fantasy owners should expected much more speed production from the 35-year-old. Still his five homers and 23 RBI this season make him a viable option in deeper mixed leagues. The quad injury doesn't seem to be bothering him so have Molina starting during Fantasy Week 16 (July 19-25).
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina (quadriceps) was right back in the starting lineup posted for Saturday's game in Boston. Molina was lifted from Friday night's game after hitting a triple that clinched him his first career cycle.
Analysis: Molina's replacement on Friday came with a comfortable lead and had a hint of being just a precautionary move as the catcher could be seen laughing and joking around with teammates on the bench. Molina homered in the team's first two games after the All-Star break and looks like a great play in all formats going forward.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina carved out a little baseball history on Friday by hitting for the cycle at Fenway Park and then left the game against Boston with tightness in his right quadriceps. Molina completed the feat by recording a triple in the top of the eighth inning, with a little help from a defensive gaffe in center field by Eric Patterson. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime thing," center fielder Josh Hamilton told MLB.com. "Bengie isn't the fastest, but he squared a lot of balls up tonight and swung the bat well. It was exciting as a teammate to be a part of that. It always comes unexpectedly." Molina appeared to injure himself hustling into third to complete his cycle. He stayed in the game for a few pitches to the next batter before manager Ron Washington and the trainer came out to check on him. Molina was replaced by pinch runner Joaquin Arias. Molina's triple was the sixth of his career. He also became the fifth Rangers' player to hit for the cycle. Molina singled in his first at-bat in the second, doubled in the fourth and crushed a grand slam in the fifth after a rain delay.
Analysis: What a bad time for Molina to get injured. He homered in the team's first two games after the All-Star break and finally looked like the power slugger we come to know the last few years. And of course he gets injured on what should have been a memorable play for the veteran backstop. We can only hope it doesn't develop into a serious situation. The move to Texas is intriguing for Molina since he joins a favorable offensive lineup and is now playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark. His recent surge might warrant adding Molina in the Fantasy leagues that he was dropped in earlier in the year.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina went 1 for 4 with his first home run with the team and two RBI in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Red Sox. He connected off starter Tim Wakefield for a two-run shot in the first, part of a six-run inning. Since being acquired from the Giants on July 2, Molina is 6 for 30 with three runs scored.
Analysis: Molina hit his first home run since June 11 on Thursday and now has four on the year. He likely won't hit 20 long balls again this season but should put up some better power numbers playing in Texas. There really isn't anyone to stop Molina from seeing at-bats, so he should be active in most formats at a weak position. His .249 average is a little lower than Fantasy owners would like, but Molina remains a low-end option in mixed leagues.
News: C Bengie Molina, who came over to the Rangers after falling out of favor with the Giants and losing more and more playing time to rookie Buster Posey, is batting just .174 (4 for 23) in seven games with his new team. He hit only .257 in 61 games for the Giants after hitting .278 for them over the previous three seasons.
Analysis: Obviously, Molina needs to hit for a better average if he's going to make an impact in Fantasy, but his shortage of homers is the bigger disappointment. He has only three after averaging 18.5 over the previous four seasons. At age 35 -- soon to be 36 -- he doesn't seem have the bat speed he used to, and moving to a great hitter's environment in Texas won't change that. He still has some sleeper appeal in mixed leagues, but he's far from a must-start.
News: Texas C Bengie Molina went 0 for 4 on Thursday against Baltimore, stranding five men on base. His average is .251 on the year and is batting .192 (5 for 26) with one run scored in his last eight games.
Analysis: Molina has just three home runs and 17 RBI on the year, between San Francisco and Texas. His production is way down from last year. The new scenery hasn't seemed to rejuvenate the veteran catcher like some thought it would. He isn't a must-start option in mixed Fantasy leagues, but at a thin position, Molina still has moderate value.
News: Rangers C Bengie Molina, who started four straight games after the team first acquired him from the Giants at the beginning of July, sat out for a second straight game Wednesday against the Indians. Matt Treanor started in his place.
Analysis: Molina went 3 for 13 (.231) in his first four games with the Rangers, carrying over his struggles with the Giants. Maybe his new team has gotten just as tired of him as his old team. More likely, you just shouldn't expect a catcher as old as Molina to play every day. He still has some power potential and could make better use of it in Texas, but he's still not quite a must-start option in mixed leagues.
News: Texas C Bengie Molina went 1 for 4 and left a man on base in his Rangers debut Friday night against the White Sox. His average for the year is .257 and has three home runs and 17 RBI.
Analysis: Molina is in a more productive lineup now that he's in Texas and should contribute more from the plate. Over his last 10 games, Molina is batting .259 (7 for 27) with no homers or RBI. His last homer came back on June 11, while his last RBI was on the 13th. Right now Molina should be considered a viable Fantasy option in mixed leagues. He's owned in only 59 percent of leagues, so he's available and can produce at a relatively weak position.
News: Newly-acquired Rangers C Bengie Molina was in the posted lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox. He replaced Matt Treanor behind the plate. Molina batted sixth, hitting between Josh Hamilton and David Murphy.
Analysis: Molina hit just .258 with one homer and six RBI in 62 at-bats during June, but he figures to be more productive as part of a loaded lineup in a hitter's ball park. Consider him a viable Fantasy option in mixed formats at this point.
News: The Giants have officially traded C Bengie Molina to the Rangers on Thursday in return for RP Chris Ray and minor league SP Michael Main. "He’s going to a better lineup and has a chance to break out of this rut he’s been in," Giants GM Brian Sabean told the San Francisco Chronicle. "Trying to figure out where to hit him in the order has been a struggle for both parties." According to Texas GM Jon Daniels, both Molina and Matt Treanor will see time behind the plate. "I would expect he (Molina) and Matt would get a good share of playing time," Daniels said.
Analysis: Molina is in the midst of an awful season at the plate and probably welcomes this trade, especially to a place like Texas which has a hitter-friendly home ballpark. Molina (owned in 58 percent of leagues) might now be worth adding in the Fantasy leagues he has lost a lot of value thanks to his down season. Molina came into the year with 10 or more homers in seven straight seasons, so he has the potential for a second-half resurgence, even if Treanor's presence limits his playing time.
News: It seems the Giants-Rangers trade involving Bengie Molina is in its final stages and is just awaiting the approval of the commissioner. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Rangers GM Jon Daniels said Texas only had "dialogue" on Wednesday about a trade, but he did not identify a team or player. However, the San Jose Mercury News then reported that after the Giants flight to Denver landed on Wednesday night that Molina was informed about the trade and was saying goodbye to his teammates. The deal includes the Giants getting RP Chris Ray and a player to be named later. Molina was expecting to leave the Giants on Thursday and join the Rangers in Anaheim, where they are playing the Angels, but the trade is not yet official. "The commissioner has to approve something on the deal. So (Giants manager Bruce) Bochy, told me, be aware and if I don’t hear anything by the time of the (Thursday's) game, go to the field (in Denver)," Molina told the Mercury News.
Analysis: Molina is in the midst of an awful season at the plate and probably welcomes this trade, especially to a place like Texas which has a hitter-friendly home ballpark. If this trade goes down -- as it appears it will -- then Molina (owned 57 percent of leagues) might be worth adding in the Fantasy leagues he has lost a lot of value thanks to his down season. Molina came into the year with 10 or more homers in seven straight seasons, so he has the potential for a second-half resurgence.
News: FOXSports.com reported Wednesday that the Giants and Rangers are in talks about a trade involving San Francisco catcher Bengie Molina. Giants GM Brian Sabean did not talk specifically about the Molina rumors on Wednesday, but he said he would consider trade offers for the veteran backstop. The Giants are in the market for a left-handed hitter and a trade of Molina could also free up more time behind the plate for rookie Buster Posey, who is mostly playing first base.
Analysis: Molina is in the midst of an awful season at the plate and probably would welcome a trade, especially to a place like Texas which has a hitter-friendly home ballpark. If this trade goes down, then Molina (owned 57 percent of leagues) might be worth adding in the Fantasy leagues he has lost a lot of value thanks to his down season. Molina came into the year with 10 or more homers in seven straight seasons, so he has the potential for a second-half resurgence.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 1 for 2 with one walk on Tuesday against the Dodgers before being lifted for pinch runner Eli Whiteside in the seventh inning. Molina has just one multi-hit game in his last 12 outings and hasn't homered since June 11.
Analysis: What has happened to Molina? After being a top run producer for the Giants the last few seasons, he has turned into one of the team's worst hitters in 2010. Add to the fact he loses starts to Whiteside and Buster Posey and Molina's Fantasy value is quickly declining. He is worth holding onto in larger Fantasy formats for a potential second-half resurgence, but Molina is not living up to his preseason billing.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was left out of the starting lineup for Friday night's game against the Red Sox. Eli Whiteside started behind the plate for San Francisco.
Analysis: After starting three games in a row, Molina gave way to his backup. After a brutal May, he has started to hit for average again, but he has yet to show any power this season. Until he can start to produce runs like he has in the past, it is best to stash or drop Molina in nearly all mixed league formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina played just four times in Fantasy Week 11 (June 14-20), producing no RBI or multi-hit games.
Analysis: After hitting a pathetic .184 in June, Molina is finding it harder and harder to break into the Giants lineup recently. Of course, the addition of Buster Posey and Aubrey Huff's hot bat hasn't helped his cause, either. Molina should only be starting in very deep mixed leagues at this point.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina returned to the lineup on Tuesday against the Orioles. Eli Whiteside started Monday with Jonathan O. Sanchez on the mound as the two have been grouped together. Molina, however, is the usual starter. Molina entered Tuesday's start 6 for 19 (.316) over his previous five games with a homer and five RBI over that span.
Analysis: Molina is batting .256 for the season with three homers and 17 RBI. He appears to be healthy right now and will be behind the plate on most occasions for the Giants. Playing one of the thinnest positions in Fantasy, Molina can continue to see mixed-league Fantasy use consistently.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Orioles. He was replaced by Eli Whiteside behind the plate.
Analysis: Molina seems to breaking out of the slump he has been in that saw his go from .330 on May 17 to .248 on June 8. Since then he has gone six for 19 (.316) and has five RBI over his last five games. Hopefully he's turned it around and ready to resume his status as a solid Fantasy option in mixed Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina hit a two-run homer during Friday's win over the A's. He went 2 for 4, his bomb coming off Oakland starter Gio Gonzalez. It was his first long ball in 98 at-bats. "It feels pretty good. It's just been so long," he said. Over his last three games, Molina is 5 for 12 with four RBI.
Analysis: Molina appears to be snapping out of an extended slump that saw his average go from .330 on May 17 to .248 on June 8. Hopefully he's turned it around and ready to resume his status as a solid Fantasy option in mixed Fantasy formats.
News:Bengie Molina, who sat out two of the last five games, was not in the starting lineup for the Giants' game in Cincinnati on Wednesday night. He was replaced behind the plate by Eli Whiteside. Molina has been battling both a slump and a sore left elbow, which recently required a cortisone injection.
Analysis: Molina's struggles at the plate predate his elbow problem, which stemmed from being hit by a foul tip in a game last week. The Giants' backstop entered the season as a reliable mixed league option, but between his weak hitting and more limited playing time, he should now be limited to active rosters in deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was back in the lineup Tuesday at Cincinnati after sitting out one game following a cortisone injection in his elbow.
Analysis: While Molina is killing lefties this season (.409), he is hitting just .183 against righties. This is a little odd, as the veteran has hit both pretty evenly over the last few seasons. With Buster Posey up and raking, Molina might see a few more days off than usual while the young backstop is around, but he's still a good defensive option for the Giants and remains worth using in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Reds. Rookie phenom Buster Posey got the start behind the plate. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Molina received a cortisone injection in his left elbow a few days ago and was given the day off. "When you have a day off, it puts more stress in your mind," Molina told MLB.com. "You just sit and think about what you can do to get out of [the slump]. I don't feel like I'm in a slump. I feel like I'm having great at-bats. I'm hitting the ball hard." He is batting .248 this season with 12 RBI.
Analysis: Molina could see his playing time take a serious hit with Posey getting the start at catcher. The Giants see Posey as their future backstop and his bat is a must-have in the lineup. Molina is still more defensively sound, though, and should return to the lineup on Tuesday. Molina is just two for his last 26, so Fantasy owners might want to keep him on their bench while he's struggling.
News: San Francisco C Bengie Molina was left out of the lineup for Friday night's game at Pittsburgh. He was replaced by backup Eli Whiteside.
Analysis: This was just a routine night off for Molina. He has struggled offensively this year, especially of late. Though playing time should not be an issue for Molina going forward, owners in mixed leagues should sit the veteran until he can get his bat going again. Molina continues to make contact, but he is not hitting for power or average right now.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina singled in a run against Rockies SP Jeff Francis (1-2) in the sixth inning Wednesday for San Francisco, ending an 0-for-21 funk that dated to his final two at-bats against Washington on May 26. Molina finished 1 for 3 with a strikeout.
Analysis: Molina has really frustrated Fantasy owners with his nasty skid that went beyond May 26. Molina came into Wednesday with just two hits in his previous 41 at-bats (12 games). He also hasn't homered since May 1. While the RBI single might help his confidence, Molina still needs some work until we considered him a must-start Fantasy option again. Week 10 (June 7-13) doesn't figure to be one in which he'll improve much. With series in Cincinnati and against the A's, he's struggled against both of those teams. Over his career against the Athletics, Molina is a .220 hitter with more at-bats against Oakland than any other franchise thanks to his days playing with the Angels. He's even worse in Cincinnati. He's been terrible at Cincinnati's Great American Ballpark. In six games there, Molina has just one base hit over 24 at-bats. That hit came back in 2008.
News:Bengie Molina went 0 for 4 in the Giants' 2-1, 11-inning loss to the Rockies on Tuesday. It was the fifth straight game in which the San Francisco catcher failed to get a hit, and he is now hitless over his last 19 at-bats. Molina has only two hits over his last 11 games, batting .054 during the span.
Analysis: Even through this mega-slump, Molina continues to make contact, striking out just four times in his last 37 at-bats. He just hasn't been hitting with much power this season. It's time for owners in mixed leagues to sit Molina until he starts to hit with more authority.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. Even though the team called up top prospect Buster Posey, Eli Whiteside got the catching duties with Posey getting the start at first base. Molina is batting .271 this season with two homers and 10 RBI.
Analysis: Molina's playing time could take a serious hit with the call up of Posey, but Friday just appeared to be a day off for the Gold Glover. He is only batting .203 in May with 10 strikeouts on 69 at-bats. Molina has driven in the most runs of his career since coming to San Fran and remains a viable mixed league option when in the lineup.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was in the posted lineup for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks. He replaced Eli Whiteside, who started on Thursday. Molina has started four of San Francisco's last seven games.
Analysis: Molina is now splitting time almost evenly with Whiteside, but remains a key part of the middle of the Giants' batting order. He isn't tearing the cover off the ball right now -- two hits in his last 28 at-bats -- but remains a reliable Fantasy option in any format.
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina was not in the starting lineup posted for Thursday's afternoon game against Washington. He was replaced by backup Eli Whiteside.
Analysis: This was to be anticipated with the Giants playing a day game after a night game. Molina should be right back in the lineup on Friday and remains a key part of the team's middle of the batting order. He isn't tearing the cover off the ball right now, but remains a reliable Fantasy option in any format.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Bengie Molina is expected to return to catcher Tuesday. He caught just once, Saturday, in the three-game interleague series in Oakland. He was the DH on Friday and wasn't in Sunday's lineup, but he got a pinch single to end a hitless streak covering 17 at-bats. He has gone 15 games without an RBI. Eli Whiteside caught the games Molina didn't.
Analysis: There are no immediate plans to call up prospect Buster Posey at this point, so consider Molina a decent start in deeper Fantasy leagues at the thin catcher position. The veteran remains a top 10 option for his run-production potential. Posey poses a threat for full-time at-bats down the road, but Whiteside should not be one.
News: Giants C Eli Whiteside started Sunday against the A's in Oakland. Bengie Molina, who started the previous four games and is the regular catcher, sat on the bench Sunday. "Mentally, he could use a day [off] here," manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com. "We all go through our ups and downs." Bochy also said that with the off-day on Monday Molina could receive the equivalent to two days off.
Analysis: Molina has struggled over his last six games and 22 at-bats, batting just .091 with two hits and a walk. Molina's average is at .288 on the season with two homers and 10 RBI. He can be active in the majority of mixed Fantasy leagues and will need to work his way out of this slump.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was back in the posted lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks after being given a day off. Eli Whiteside, who started behind the plate on Tuesday, went back to the bench.
Analysis: The veteran backstop will remain a prominent part of the middle of the team's batting order as long as he can stay healthy. His ability to hit for average with a fair amount of pop makes him a good start in Fantasy.
News: Giants catcher Eli Whiteside got the start in Tuesday's game against the Padres, giving regular starter Bengie Molina a night off. Whiteside went 2 for 6 with an RBI and a run scored in his first start since May 13.
Analysis: Molina should be right back in the lineup on Friday in Arizona. The veteran backstop will remain a prominent part of the middle of the team's batting order as long as he can stay healthy and his ability to hit for average and a fair amount of pop makes him a good start on a regular basis in Fantasy.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was back in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Astros. Molina did not start on Thursday but pinch-hit and struck out. Molina is batting .341 on the year with two homers.
Analysis: Molina is the everyday catcher but he gets some days off at his age. The 35-year-old backstop is having a good year so far and should keep top-prospect Buster Posey in the minors a little while longer. Continue to view Molina as a solid start in most Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Padres after missing one game with a hamstring injury. He finished 1 for 2 with two walks before being replaced by Eli Whiteside as a pinch runner in the seventh. Molina has hit safely in every home game he's played.
Analysis: The Giants lost a close game on Tuesday, so taking Molina out of the contest was more for getting a little speed on the base paths. It also couldn't hurt Molina's hamstring to get a little extra rest. Even with prospect Buster Posey knocking down the door at Triple-A, Molina continues to get the job done at and behind the plate. Keep him active in Fantasy when healthy.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was in the posted lineup for Tuesday's game against the Padres. He did not play on Sunday and has been bothered by a sore hamstring lately.
Analysis: Molina is a productive offensive catcher (.333, 13 runs, 10 RBI) who is worth owning and starting in all leagues when healthy. It might be too late for you in Fantasy Week 6 (May 10-16), but track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 7 (May 17-23).
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Bengie Molina is saying his sore hamstring isn't serious. He didn't play Sunday and was slowed the previous two games. With Monday's off day, Molina was expecting to return to the lineup Tuesday for the series opener against the Padres. Molina missed Sunday's game for precautionary reasons, both he and manager Bruce Bochy said.
Analysis: Molina is a productive offensive catcher who is worth owning and starting in all leagues when healthy. It might be too late for you in Fantasy Week 6 (May 10-16), but track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 7 (May 17-23).
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was not in the starting lineup on Sunday against the Mets because of a tight left hamstring. He hopes to play the Giants' next game, Tuesday against San Diego.
Analysis: Molina has started 22 of the Giants' 30 games this season. Molina is a solid Fantasy option in all mixed leagues and appears to be a low-risk play in Week 6 (May 10-16). The Giants said Sunday they have no intentions to rush top prospect Buster Posey to the majors, so Molina's job is safe for at least another week.
News: San Francisco C Bengie Molina was not listed in the starting lineup for Sunday's game in New York. He tweaked his hamstring in Saturday's game and was day to day. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Molina could end up starting if he feels good during batting practice. For now, Eli Whiteside got the start.
Analysis: Molina would surprise if he played the next game following tweaking his hamstring. Catchers generally get off days on Sundays and it seems like the right decision to sit him. That said, the Giants won't commit to him being out. Molina is a solid Fantasy option in all mixed leagues and isn't a risky play in Week 6 (May 10-16) regardless of his status for Sunday's game.
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina left Saturday's game at the Mets and was replaced by backup Eli Whiteside. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that he left the game due to tightness in his left hamstring. Manager Bruce Bochy said after the game that the injury is not serious and that he could return to the lineup on Sunday.
Analysis: Molina should be considered day to day. We would not be surprised to see him miss a couple of games with this ailment, however, and Fantasy owners in daily lineup formats should be prepared with healthy alternatives for the upcoming scoring period. Molina is a must-start Fantasy catcher when healthy.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who has a 10-game hit streak, was left out of the lineup for Friday night's game against the Mets. He was replaced by backup Eli Whiteside.
Analysis: Even before his hot streak, Molina was hitting well, and now his batting average stands at .329. This is just a normal day of rest, so owners can rest assured that Molina will be back in the lineup Saturday. Though he probably won't keep hitting at this rate, Molina should still be kept active in all formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 1 for 5 with a double in Tuesday's extra-inning win over the Marlins. Molina is hitting well as the Giants' cleanup hitter but the 35-year-old is unsure whether or not he'll play baseball next season, reports MLB.com. He was disappointed more teams didn't show interest this offseason. "I had five straight good years and I thought I was going to be wanted, but obviously that didn't happen," Molina said. "I'm 35 and I'm a catcher and I'm getting to that point late in my career. Depending on how this season goes, I'll make my decision at the end. I never said I would retire. I actually think I have some good years left."
Analysis: Molina may not have felt wanted before the season but the Giants should be buying him presents right now. He has molded one of the best young pitching staffs in baseball and is hitting .333 on the season with two homers and nine RBI. Molina remains wanted by Fantasy owners and is a solid option in most mixed leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 1 for 3 with a homer, a walk and two runs scored in a 6-1 win over the Rockies on Saturday. His solo shot to leadoff the third inning was second of the year and pushed his hitting streak to a modest seven.
Analysis: The hits just keep on coming for Molina and he is now batting .343 this season. He has had career years since going to San Francisco and should put together another decent campaign this season. Molina remains a No. 1 Fantasy backstop in mixed formats.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports Giants manager Bruce Bochy was happy this offseason when Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff arrived. Bochy figured it afforded him the chance to move catcher Bengie Molina out of the cleanup spot and hit him lower in the lineup. While Bochy's plan worked for Molina, it hasn't for DeRosa and Huff. Therefore, Bochy moved Molina, who is hitting .350, back into the cleanup spot behind Pablo Sandoval on Friday against the Rockies. Huff was dropped to fifth and DeRosa to sixth in the lineup. "I talked to Huff and Mark," Bochy said. "Bengie gives us a right-handed bat between Pablo and Huff. He did a good job there last year. I've been looking at this all month. I thought about it on the day off and I'm going to tweak it."
Analysis: Molina doesn't particularly like hitting cleanup, but the numbers would argue otherwise. He is a career .282 hitter batting cleanup. He also has 38 homers and 173 RBI out of the fourth spot -- the highest numbers for Molina at any spot in the order. This is actually encouraging news for Fantasy owners, who use Molina as a No. 1 option at a thin position.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 3 for 4 with two walks in a 7-6 extra inning loss to the Phillies on Wednesday. He also scored a run when Andres Torres' walk in the sixth inning forced him home. Molina struck out twice in the game and is batting .350 on the year.
Analysis: Molina has now hit in five straight games, including back-to-back multi-hit performances. He hit a career high 20 homers last season but only has one so far in 2010. He still could reach that mark and remains a No. 1 Fantasy backstop in mixed formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina collected a pair of singles in four at-bats on Tuesday against the Phillies. Molina, who didn't start Monday, extended his hitting streak to four games. He is 5 for 15 (.333) in that span.
Analysis: After hitting safely in seven of his first eight games, Molina hasn't done a lot at the plate in the last few weeks. In fact, he has no homers in 11 games and just one RBI in that span. There are now whispers throughout the organization that uber prospect Buster Posey could be called up to the majors since Molina and first baseman Aubrey Huff are struggling. We doubt San Fran gives up that easily on Molina, who remains a viable Fantasy start because of his power potential for a catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was not in Monday's lineup against the Phillies. He was replaced by Eli Whiteside behind the dish.
Analysis: Molina is hitting .308 with one home run and eight RBI on the year. Despite sitting out on Monday, Molina should see the majority of at-bats for the Giants. Continue to start him in all mixed formats.
News: Giants C Eli Whiteside started behind the plate Tuesday against the Padres in place of Bengie Molina. Molina had started San Francisco's last four games.
Analysis: Molina has gotten off to a nice start this year, batting .361 with one homer and eight RBI. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy backstop in mixed formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2 for 4 in Saturday's game against the Dodgers. Molina continued his six-game hit streak, collecting two singles while scoring two runs and recording an RBI. He also left a runner on base.
Analysis: Molina has been red hot to start the season, hitting .448 on the season with 1 home run and eight RBI. While he may not start everyday as the full-time catcher, he will get the majority of starts behind the dish. Continue to view him as a must-start Fantasy option.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Bengie Molina reached base nine consecutive plate appearances before striking out in the eighth inning. He was 2-for-3 Tuesday, his average rising to .455. In the nine plate appearances, Molina was 7-for-7 with two walks.
Analysis: Molina rested in the day game after a night game Wednesday. For the most part, though, he is going to play every day -- moreso than most catchers. Consider Molina a must-start in all leagues for Fantasy Week 3 (April 19-25) at this point.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who the team decided to bring back for one more year even with top prospect Buster Posey waiting in the wings, showed he still has plenty to offer Monday against the Pirates. He hit his first home run of the season and went 4 for 4 with a walk, a double, two runs scored and four RBI.
Analysis: Molina hit a career-high 20 homers last season, giving him at least 15 for the fifth straight season, so he's still one of the game's better-hitting catchers. Posey might cut into his at-bats later in the season, but for now, Molina remains a must-start in Fantasy.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports Giants manager Bruce Bochy chose to start Eli Whiteside at catcher on Saturday against the Braves. Starter Bengie Molina got the day off after an extra-inning game on Friday. Bochy said Molina is not injured and he would prefer him to catch on Sunday, when Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum will pitch.
Analysis: Molina has yet to leave the yard in three games, but he is hitting .273 with two RBI. Molina is usually a fast starter, as he is a .283 career hitter in the first month. He also has 18 homers and 109 RBI in 191 games in that span. We aren't too worried about Molina, who remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy catcher because of his 20-homer potential.
News:Bengie Molina rests Wednesday in the day game after a night game, giving way to backup Eli Whiteside.
Analysis: Molina is a veteran that might sit some day games after night games, but his bat is too important to the Giants' mediocre offense for him to sit too much. Molina is a solid option in mixed leagues, while Whiteside is nothing more than a seldom-used reserve for the deepest of NL-only formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina got the scoring started on opening day in a 5-2 win at Houston Monday. Molina singled to deep left field in the second inning and drove in Aubrey Huff to score the game's, and season's, first run for San Francisco. Molina went 2 for 4 in the game with an RBI and a run scored.
Analysis: Molina hit 20 homers and drove in 80 runs last season with a .265 batting average over 491 at-bats. He continues to be among the best hitting catchers in baseball and is a solid Fantasy option in all mixed leagues. Consider him a No. 1 Fantasy backstop across the board.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2 for 4 against the Angels on Saturday, his third consecutive game with two hits. He doubled in three runs and struck out once. Molina has hit safely in eight straight games.
Analysis: Molina hasn't flashed much power this spring, hitting just one homer in 45 at-bats, but he's hitting at a ridiculous pace, batting .400. Molina is a No. 1 Fantasy catcher to target on Draft Day.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina singled twice and drove in two runs during Thursday's spring game against the A's. Molina extended his hitting streak to seven games. He is 9 for 23 (.391) with four RBI in that span.
Analysis: Molina has raised his spring average to .390. The best part is that he has only struck out three times in 41 at-bats. Molina has only one homer this spring, but he hasn't hit more than a homer in each of his previous two springs, so it is not a big issue. He is one of the more effective power hitters at catcher, so Molina remains a must-own Fantasy option at a thin position.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2 for 4 against the White Sox on Tuesday, improving his average to .378. He smacked a pair of doubles, scoring a run and driving in a run. He has hit safely in six straight games.
Analysis: Molina hasn't shown much power this spring, hitting just one bomb in 37 at-bats. But he's been effective anyway, recording a hit in 11 of 14 games. Molina is a No. 1 Fantasy catcher.
News: Though Bengie Molina enjoyed his first 20-homer season in 2009, a number of negative trends could jeopardize his ability to hold off Buster Posey for playing time. Molina's strikeout and walk rates both went in the wrong direction, and a sky-high flyball rate contributed to a 27-point drop in his batting average.
Analysis: Owners may be high on Molina after last year's power binge, but if he maintains the 49 percent flyball rate that drove it, he and his owners will pay a price in the form of a chronically low batting average. The 35 year-old may also be susceptible to a decreasing home run-per-flyball ratio, which would ultimately hurt all of his Fantasy numbers. Molina is a still a safe play in NL-only leagues, but his days as a viable mixed-league catcher may be numbered.
News: After spending the offseason dealing with the uncertainty of free agency, Bengie Molina is right where he began, the No. 1 catcher in San Francisco, when general manager Brian Sabean's "that ship has sailed" summation during winter negotiations proved premature. One of the Giants' most productive hitters in the previous three seasons, Molina learned another hard business lesson in the process, his third time through free agency. After hitting a career-high 20 home runs in 2009 and averaging about 17 homers and 85 RBI in three seasons with the Giants, Molina believed his numbers warranted at least a two-year contract. The best the market had to offer was a proposal from the New York Mets that would have paid him $5.5 million this season with a $5.5 million option for 2011 that would have vested had Molina seen enough playing time this season.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Molina batted .265 with a career-high 20 home runs to go with 80 RBI last season as the cleanup hitter in his third year with the Giants and 12th in the big leagues. His return to the Giants represents an amount of certainty, but you have to be mildly fearful of Buster Posey forcing his way into the lineup later in the year. Even though he could end up sharing starts with Posey by the end of the year, we rank Molina as a top 10 Fantasy catcher to target on Draft Day, mostly because of his run production a frequency of starts.
News:Bengie Molina and the Giants have completed a $4.5 million, one-year contract that brings the veteran catcher back to San Francisco. The deal was completed Friday, one day after Molina passed a physical. The sides had agreed to terms earlier this week. The move came as a surprise, because Molina had sought a multiyear contract and was in negotiations with the Mets. Earlier in the offseason, San Francisco GM Brian Sabean indicated the 35-year-old free agent wouldn't be back for a fourth season with the team. He can earn another $1.5 million this year in performance bonuses based on games started. Molina won consecutive Gold Glove awards in 2002-03 with the Angels.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Molina batted .265 with a career-high 20 home runs to go with 80 RBI last season as the cleanup hitter in his third year with the Giants and 12th in the big leagues. His return to the Giants represents an amount of certainty, but you have to be mildly fearful of Posey forcing his way into the lineup later in the year. Even though he could end up sharing starts with Posey by the end of the year, we rank Molina as a top 10 Fantasy catcher to target on Draft Day, mostly because of his run production a frequency of starts.
News: In an unexpected twist, Bengie Molina is coming back to the Giants. The free-agent catcher reached a preliminary agreement with the Giants on a one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical and had not been completed. It is a surprising move for both sides, because Molina had been negotiating a two-year deal with the Mets only days ago. He had hoped to land a three-year contract this offseason, and Giants GM Brian Sabean had said the veteran catcher wouldn't return. While Molina appeared set to join the Mets, the Giants came back into the picture only recently. Molina said late in the 2009 season that he would like to stay in San Francisco if shown he was wanted. Right away, Sabean ruled out giving Molina more than a one-year deal with Buster Posey set to be the club's catcher of the future.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Molina batted .265 with a career-high 20 home runs to go with 80 RBI last season as the cleanup hitter in his third year with the Giants and 12th in the big leagues. His return to the Giants represents an amount of certainty, but you have to be mildly fearful of Posey forcing his way into the lineup later in the year. Even though he could end up sharing starts with Posey by the end of the year, we rank Molina as a top 10 Fantasy catcher to target on Draft Day, mostly because of his run production a frequency of starts.
News: Looking to fill two big holes and add much-needed power to their lineup, the Mets made contract offers Thursday to a pair of free agents: left fielder Jason Bay and catcher Bengie Molina. The team's bid for Bay was between $60 million and $65 million over four years. Molina would cost much less. As club executives headed home Thursday on the final day of the winter meetings in Indianapolis, the Mets confirmed making offers to Bay and Molina -- without revealing details.
Analysis: In three years with the Giants, Molina hit .278 with an average of 18 homers and 85 RBI. He wouldn't get to bat cleanup for the Mets, reducing his RBI opportunities and his Fantasy value, but he'd still hit for enough power to serve as a No. 1 Fantasy catcher. Keep an eye on this situation.
News:Bengie Molina would like to return to the Giants next season if the team wants him. Molina's agent, Gustavo Marcano, told The Associated Press on Thursday he hopes the 35-year-old catcher gets rewarded with the contract he "deserves." Molina headed into the Giants' final home game Thursday batting .265 with a career-high 20 home runs to go with 79 RBI as the cleanup hitter. "He would love to stay here," Marcano said after meeting with Molina. "He loves the city. He loves the guys, and loves being in the clubhouse. What he's done this year, he has the opportunity to get a nice contract, what he deserves. If that comes from the Giants, he would love that. If not, he will go somewhere else." Molina had been slowed by a hand injury that kept him out for three games before his return to the lineup Tuesday, when he matched his season bests with four hits and four RBI and had his seventh career two-homer game.
Analysis: Molina would like to retire as a Giant and is seeking a multiyear deal, though it is doubtful considering his age and health concerns the Giants would make such a commitment. They have Buster Posey, the fifth overall pick in the 2008 amateur draft, emerging as the catcher of the future. Consider Molina a top 10 Fantasy catcher for 2010, regardless of where he plays. He will start somewhere.
News: Playing in what could be his last home series with the Giants, C Bengie Molina had one of his best nights at the team's waterfront stadium Tuesday against the Diamondbacks after sitting out the previous three games with bruised fingers on his left hand. San Francisco's popular catcher matched his season high with four RBI and went deep twice for the second time this year, giving him a career-high 20. He finished 4 for 5.
Analysis: The Giants have already said top prospect Buster Posey is now their starting catcher, but Molina likely earned two or three more starts with this performance. He might lose some Fantasy value next year since he probably won't hit cleanup for his new team, but he still has enough pop to be a starter in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who left Thursday's game after getting hit by a pitch in the finger, remained out of the lineup Sunday against the Cubs.
Analysis: Manager Bruce Bochy has already said the Giants plan to go with prospect Buster Posey down the stretch, so Molina will probably sit no matter how much progress he makes. His power and run production normally makes him a must-start catcher, but if you can get your hands on another one who gets consistent at-bats, go with him instead.
News: San Francisco C Bengie Molina did not return to the Giants lineup on Saturday as he continues to recover from a finger injury sustained on a foul ball tipped back off his glove. He remains questionable for the series finale with the Cubs on Sunday.
Analysis: Molina has played in 130 games this season and has 18 homers and 75 RBI. The Giants' playoff chances are pretty slim and they will likely want to see a lot of Buster Posey if and when they get eliminated. Do not have Molina active until he returns as he will likely be an injury risk option for Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 28-Oct. 4).
News: MLB.com reports that Giants C Bengie Molina underwent X-Rays which revealed no fracture after getting struck on the finger by a pitch on his catching hand. Molina was expected to be reexamined on Friday. "He's had that hand beat up pretty good all year," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
Analysis: Molina has played in 130 games this season and has 18 homers and 75 RBI. The Giants's playoff chances are pretty slim and they will likely want to see a lot of Buster Posey if and when they get eliminated. Do not have Molina active until he returns.
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina has left Thursday's game against the Cubs with an apparent finger injury after taking a foul ball off his glove hand with one out in the top of the fifth. Kosuke Fukudome fouled a pitch from Brad Penny straight back that seemed to bend Molina's middle fingers backward. He immediately fell to the ground and headed to the San Francisco dugout, where trainers worked on his fingers.
Analysis: Eli Whiteside replaced Molina, who has 18 home runs and 75 RBI this season. Molina was in a good deal of pain after the foul ball off his fingers and might end up getting shut down for the season. Monitor his status the rest of the weekend before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 28-Oct. 4). Molina is a high-end Fantasy C when healthy.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina felt he'd been hitting the ball well before a quadriceps injury sidelined him for eight starts. He's back to hitting well now. Molina homered on the first pitch of the eighth inning Friday at Milwaukee, going 1 for 4 to lead his team to victory. "Finally," said Molina, who is batting .204 with three homers in his last 16 games. "I haven't been through a stretch like this where you hit the ball so many times hard and they're outs. It feels good."
Analysis: Molina said even though he'll see how he feels on Saturday morning, the fact he's caught back-to-back games in a playoff race bodes well for him the rest of the season. "It's a good test for me, for my leg," Molina said. "Hitting, pitching, catching -- anywhere you play -- if you have a lot of adrenaline it's going to carry through." Few players can match Molina's run production at the catcher position, so keep him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who missed eight games because of a strained right quadriceps, returned to the lineup Thursday at Philadelphia and went 0 for 4. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Molina had a long meeting with manager Bruce Bochy after the team promoted catching prospect Buster Posey on Wednesday.
Analysis: Interesting timing on the return from Molina, but it's really not worth pondering for Fantasy purposes. He's back and still hitting cleanup, which is reason to start him in Fantasy in and of itself. Few players can match his run production at that weak position.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina missed his 8th straight game on Wednesday against the Phillies. The Giants recalled top prospect catcher Buster Posey on Wednesday and that signifies that although Molina is wanted, he may not be needed at this point. Molina's tight right quadriceps continues to be an issue but he could return at any time.
Analysis: Molina is expected to start in the Phillies series, so it seems a trip to the DL is unlikely. Molina is one of the better hitting catchers in baseball and remains a must-start Fantasy option when healthy. Still, if the injury persists, there is the possibility the Giants could shut him down so stay tuned.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina (quadriceps) did not return to the starting lineup Tuesday against the Phillies. He has missed the last seven games, but was available to pinch hit. He struck out in the ninth for Eugenio Velez.
Analysis: Molina is expected to start in the Phillies series, so it seems a trip to the DL is unlikely. Molina is one of the better hitting catchers in baseball and remains a must-start Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina pinch hit in Sunday's game against the Rockies but missed his sixth straight start with tightness in his right quadriceps. Molina tested his legs with some running and manager Bruce Bochy expects him to play during the club's upcoming series at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Molina is a must-start Fantasy C when healthy but is now a bit of an injury risk for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6). He can be activated for the upcoming scoring period however in most leagues as he is expected to return to the starting lineup soon.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who hit a clutch home run as a pinch hitter Wednesday, missed a fifth straight start Friday against the Rockies because of a sore quadriceps. He's day to day.
Analysis: Molina is a must-start when healthy so monitor his status the rest of the weekend before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6).
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who hit a clutch home run as a pinch hitter Wednesday, missed a fourth straight start Friday against the Rockies because of a sore quadriceps. He's day to day.
Analysis: Molina is a streaky player but has more power than most other players at the catcher position. He is a must-start when healthy so monitor his status the rest of the weekend before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6).
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who hit a clutch home run as a pinch hitter Wednesday, missed a third straight start Thursday against the Diamondbacks because of a sore quadriceps. He's day to day.
Analysis: Molina is streaky, but he has above-average power for a catcher and hits in the middle of the lineup. He's a must-start when healthy and should be back in time for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6).
News:Bengie Molina was ready when Giants manager Bruce Bochy called on him to pinch hit. Molina hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning and the Giants rallied for a 4-3 victory over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night. "Bengie is our clean-up hitter," Bochy said. "If he's not in the starting lineup, he's the guy I use when the game is on the line. It's hard to get a bigger hit."
Analysis: Molina is a must-own catcher in all Fantasy leagues and a must-start when he is going well. This could be one of those times. We say you will want him active for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6).
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina, who started 98 of San Francisco's first 120 games, got the day off Thursday at Cincinnati. He is expected to be back in the lineup Friday. Eli Whiteside got the start in his place.
Analysis: Molina is a rare Fantasy catcher in that he usually hits in the middle of the lineup in prime run-producing real estate and also does not get too many days off. It's because his bat is so valuable to the Giants lineup and Fantasy owners should also consider him too valuable to sit.
News:Bengie Molina homered in the 10th inning off Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez to give the San Francisco Giants a 5-4 victory over the New York Mets on Saturday. Molina should get a day off Sunday, according to manager Bruce Bochy.
Analysis: Molina has homered four times in his last eight games with eight RBI in that span. Fantasy owners in daily leagues will want to reserve him Sunday, but otherwise he should be active in all weekly formats as a a rare catcher who hits clean up.
News:Jonathan Broxton pitched the ninth for his 25th save in 29 chances, allowing a solo homer to Bengie Molina on Monday.
Analysis: Molina is on one of his patented tears and is on pace for 20 homers. Consider him a solid start in all Fantasy leagues through thick and thin.
News:Bengie Molina homered among his three hits and drove in three runs and Barry Zito pitched six strong innings, helping the Giants beat the Reds 4-2 on Saturday. Molina, who has four extra base hits - two home runs - over his past three games, last recorded extra base hits in three straight between April 23-25 of this season.
Analysis: Molina has homers in each of his last two games and seven RBI in his last three starts. He is swinging a hot stick right now and remains a must-start Fantasy catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina hit his 12th home run in the 1st inning of Friday's loss to the Reds. It was a two-run shot off starter Homer Bailey. He went 1 for 5 in the game and is batting .262 on the year.
Analysis: Molina has five RBI in his last three games for the Giants. His 57 driven in on the season keeps him a worthy mixed-league Fantasy option across the board.
News:Tim Lincecum didn't need much help, but he got some. Pablo Sandoval had his seventh three-hit game of the year Monday, Andres Torres hit a two-run triple and Bengie Molina and Randy Winn also drove in runs.
Analysis: Sandoval has become a Fantasy superstar, even if he is still a couple of games short of catcher eligibility. Keep him active in all leagues at first or third, though. Molina is one of the top 10 catchers in all leagues, while Winn is a sleeper in deeper mixed formats when he is going well. Torres is nothing more than a reserve for the Giants and the deepest of NL-only leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 3 for 3 with a double and a run scored in Sunday's win over the Pirates.
Analysis: Molina has cooled down a lot since his hot first 45 days this season, but he's still a serviceable catcher in most mixed leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was back in San Francisco's lineup Sunday against the Padres after taking two days off to be with his wife for the birth of the couple's first child, daughter Jayda Marie, who was born early Saturday afternoon. Molina had his 17th double Sunday, but it was his only hit in four at-bats. He did score a run.
Analysis: Molina homered Thursday against the Giants before watching his team get no-hit Friday by Jonathan Sanchez. If Molina was around he could have made a difference. He is back now and should be refreshed following the All-Star break. While his average is down from last season, Molina is still hitting for power and driving in runs. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was not in the team's starting lineup on Saturday against the Padres a day after his wife went into labor. He is questionable for the team's last game before the All-Star break on Sunday.
Analysis: Molina obviously isn't injured and should be a safe play in Fantasy Week 15 (July 16-19). He's one of the better hitting catchers in the league and should be active in all formats.
News: Giants rookie C Eli Whiteside wasn't even supposed to be catching Friday night. Instead, he played a huge part in SP Jonathan O. Sanchez's no-hitter against the Padres. The 29-year-old backup backstop got the call about 30 minutes before batting practice because starter Bengie Molina's wife, Jamie, went into labor with the couple's first child.
Analysis: Molina will likely return Saturday, but sometimes these personal absences can last an extra day or two. His RBI potential makes him a must-start in Fantasy.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was back in the Giants' starting lineup on Saturday against the Astros after sitting out Friday with a cold. He went 2 for 5 in the game, driving in a run and striking out once. His batting average increased to .265 with the performance.
Analysis: Molina was likely sitting out on Friday simply because the Giants wanted to have Eli Whiteside catch starter Ryan Sadowski. Molina is a high-end Fantasy C and should be active for Fantasy Week 14 (July 6-12).
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, nursing a cold, got the night off on Friday against the Astros. He is not expected to miss much time with the illness and should be back for the remainder of the series.
Analysis: Molina was not likely going to start anyways as SP Ryan Sadowski used Eli Whiteside as his catcher in his first MLB start and worked extensively with him in Triple-A Fresno. Molina is a high-end Fantasy C when healthy and should not be an injury risk for Fantasy Week 14 (July 6-12).
News: Giants C Bengie Molina singled twice and struck out once in four at-bats Thursday against the Cardinals. Molina has three multi-hit games in his last four outings. He is 7 for 16 (.438) with four RBI in that span.
Analysis: Molina has done a nice job over the last month getting back on track at the plate. After hitting a miserable .200 in May, Molina hit .279 in June and is off to a nice start in July. Molina is still one of the better hitting catchers in the majors and a viable Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2 for 4 on Tuesday in a win over Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals. Molina doubled and drove in two runs. He's hitting .262 on the year.
Analysis: Molina now has five hits in his last two games with three RBI. He's heating up again and his run production keeps him a solid Fantasy option for all leagues as a catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina picked up three hits on Monday in a win over the Cardinals. Molina went 3 for 5 in the win with three singles and an RBI. He also scored a run and is batting .259 on the year.
Analysis: Molina was 0 for 12 in his previous three games and has been struggling for the large part of June. Still you can't complain about 43 RBI from your catcher at this point with 10 homers so keep using him in most mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who had a disastrous May during which he hit .200, has played better of late. He went 0 for 4 Monday at Oakland but is batting .297 (11 for 37) with two home runs over his last 11 games.
Analysis: Molina bats cleanup, which is rare for a catcher. You might have to live with some streakiness from him, but his RBI total will make him a top Fantasy option by season's end. Keep him active.
News: San Francisco C Bengie Molina hit an early two-run home run in the first inning of a 5-3 win on Saturday off of Josh Outman. Molina also hit a double in the seventh inning, going 2 for 3 in the game with two RBI and a run scored. His batting average increased to .261 on the season with the performance.
Analysis: Molina has two homers in his last four games, with seven RBI in his last six. He is starting to swing the bat better after a very slow start to the month of June. He has drawn only two walks this season and has 28 strikeouts, but his power and RBI potential make him a No. 1 Fantasy catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, whose batting average has dipped from .329 to .247 since the end of April, started the first game, but not the second, of a doubleheader Thursday at Washington. He went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Analysis: Molina is batting only .121 (4-for-33) over his last nine games. His low walk rate -- he has only two all season -- makes him vulnerable to cold streaks, but he still has plenty of Fantasy potential batting in the middle of the Giants lineup. You don't have much choice but to ride out these struggles and wait for him to come around eventually.
News: From The Sports Xchange: C Bengie Molina once was considered an All-Star candidate, but he's 2-for-35. He has one hit in his last four games. His average is .261, down from .304 on May 17. Molina was sixth in the NL All-Star voting, the highest standing among Giants players, but an All-Star bid would be possible only if he rediscovers his batting stroke.
Analysis: Molina remains too promising at the thin catcher position to sit in most leagues, because who do you replace him with. Keep him active, but if you like to micromanage track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 9 (June 1-7).
News: Giants C Bengie Molina has struggled lately from the plate, and those struggles continued on Sunday against the Mariners as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. In Molina's last six games, he has gone a combined 2-for-26 with four strikeouts and zero RBI.
Analysis: Molina's batting average was above .300 only a week ago, but it has plummeted all the way down to .267 after Sunday's lackluster performance. Molina remains a must-start Fantasy C due to his potential to put up big numbers and the fact that plays almost every day, but Fantasy owners were certainly burned in the most recent scoring period
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI on Thursday against the Mets. He entered the game batting .158 (3-for-19) over his previous five.
Analysis: Molina's lack of discipline can make him streaky at times, but few catchers can match him in RBI since he bats cleanup for the Giants. He's a must-start Fantasy option at all times.
News:Bengie Molina hit an eighth-inning home run off Kip Wells on Tuesday.
Analysis: Molina is an elite Fantasy catcher and a must-start in all leagues through thick and thin. The fact he is motivated in a contract year is great news for his owners.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina homered twice, leading the Giants to an 8-3 win over the Rockies on Thursday. Molina was hitless in 12 career plate appearances against Jason Marquis before lining a solo homer to left-center in the second and crushing a two-run shot to right the following inning. It was Molina's sixth multihomer game and first since July 22 against Washington. Molina nearly had another homer in the fifth, but a gusty wind held the ball up and allowed Dexter Fowler to track it down in deep center. The catcher finished with three hits and four RBI, driving in another run on a bases-loaded, check-swing groundout.
Analysis: Molina has three homers in his last three games and has seven on the season. His 27 RBI total in 27 games is even more impressive, especially considering the fact that he is a catcher. Keep him active across the board.
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's game at the Cubs. It was his fifth home run of the season. He has nine RBI in his last six games.
Analysis: Molina brought his batting average over .300 with the performance and his RBI total is at 23. He remains one of the elite catching options in Fantasy and should start in all leagues while healthy.
News:Bengie Molina had a homer, a two-run triple and an RBI single in San Francisco's 9-4 victory over the Dodgers on Thursday.
Analysis: Molina is an elite Fantasy catcher and a must-start in all leagues through thick and thin. The fact he is motivated in a contract year is great news for his owners.
News:Bengie Molina had a pinch-hit double with two outs in the 10th inning to lift San Francisco to a 1-0 victory over San Diego on Wednesday.
Analysis: Molina starts just about every game he can, since he is arguably the Giants' best hitter. Consider him a must-start catcher in all Fantasy leagues through thick and thin, especially since this is a contract year for him. He is motivated to have another great season, perhaps one last great season.
News:Clayton Kershaw had a career-high 13 strikeouts and allowed only two baserunners Thursday, giving up Bengie Molina's tying home run leading off the second inning.
Analysis: Molina is an offensive force at the catcher position. Consider him a must-start in all leagues through thick and thin.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, batting in the cleanup spot for the second straight year, drove in four runs against the Brewers on Thursday. He went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a run scored, raising his batting average to .417.
Analysis: Molina has multiple hits in two of his first three games. He drove in 95 runs last year -- tops among catchers -- mostly as a result of his spot in the batting order. He has enough pop to approach 20 homers, but his Fantasy appeal comes mostly from his role on the offense. He should start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was one of three San Francisco players to hit homers during Tuesday's 10-6 season-opening win against the Brewers. Molina led off the seventh with a homer against Dave Bush. He finished 2-for-5.
Analysis: Molina has shown decent pop for a catcher the last few years, belting 14 or more homers in five of six seasons. He had a career-high 95 RBI in 2008 and seems to do well in the middle of the Giants' lineup. With catcher being such a thin position, Molina passes as a viable Fantasy option.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who is playing in a contract year, went 3-for-5 with two doubles, three runs scored and an RBI against the Athletics on Thursday. He's batting .262 this spring.
Analysis: Molina has RBI potential and is a nice pick after the elite catcher options are off the board. His contract status and the expected quick rise of top prospect Buster Posey might even make Molina a midseason trade candidate. The fact Molina is slugging for a new contract should make him a productive Fantasy option at least.
News:Bengie Molina's three-year, $16 million contract worth $6 million this season expires at the end of the year, and his future with the Giants appears to be intertwined with top prospect Buster Posey's.
Analysis: Molina has RBI potential and is a nice pick after the elite catcher options are off the board. His contract status and the expected quick rise of Posey might even make Molina a midseason trade candidate. The fact Molina is slugging for a new contract should make him a productive Fantasy option at least.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was 2-for-3 with three RBI on Monday against the Angels, lining a two-run double off the left-field fence in the third inning before rolling a hit-and-run single into right field to drive in a run in the fifth. Molina, who led the Giants with 95 RBI last season, has seven so far this spring.
Analysis: Molina doesn't have monster power, but he has above-average power and tends to accumulate more RBI than the average catcher since he so often gets to bat cleanup. Consider him among the next-best options at the position after Brian McCann, Joe Mauer, Russell Martin and Geovany Soto go off the board.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, coming off his fourth straight season with at least 15 home runs, hit his first long ball of the spring Sunday against the Athletics. He finished 1-for-2 and is batting .261 (6-for-23) so far.
Analysis: Molina doesn't have monster power, but he has above-average power and tends to accumulate more RBI than the average catcher since he so often gets to bat cleanup. Consider him among the next-best options at the position after Brian McCann, Joe Mauer, Russell Martin and Geovany Soto go off the board.
News: Those around Bengie Molina notice his attentiveness and his dedication to improvement after the passing of his father. It was seen in his career year in 2008, when he hit .292 with 33 doubles, 16 home runs and 95 RBI. Molina had nine more doubles and 14 more RBI than in any of his previous 10 major league seasons while catching 136 games. A two-time Gold Glove winner, Molina threw out 35 percent of the runners attempting to steal, tied with his brother Yadier for second best in the NL. "He's a manager's dream, a catcher who can catch and bat cleanup," said Giants special assistant Felipe Alou. "He catches every day and he looks like he always has enough energy left to get a base hit in the ninth inning to win a game. He's a real tough out late in the game, and there are not a lot of guys like that. He's a great two-strike hitter, one of the best in the game. And he always tries to help the young guys."
Analysis: This Molina doesn't have monster power, but he has at least 15 home runs in four consecutive seasons. And as long as he continues to bat in the middle of the lineup, he will offer underrated run production for a Fantasy catcher. Draft him just outside the top five catchers, but try waiting until the middle rounds to do so.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run -- his 16th -- Friday against the Dodgers. He has homered at least 15 times in four straight seasons.
Analysis: Molina doesn't have quite the upside of some of the younger catchers coming into the league, but his consistency makes him a top Fantasy option in 2009 regardless.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2-for-4 with a solo home run -- his 14th of the season and second in six games -- Thursday at Arizona. He finished 2-for-4.
Analysis: Molina is having one of his best months of the season so far, batting .328 (19-for-58) with three home runs. You shouldn't think of him as an elite catcher, but he's just a step behind that bunch. Expect him to go just outside the top five on Draft Day 2009.
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina hit a two-run homer off Diamondbacks starter Chris Young (5-6) in the first inning Saturday night. He went 2-for-5 with a three run RBI.
Analysis: Molina now has 13 homers this season, including a couple in the last week. His 86 RBI, .275-plus average and 13 home runs make him one of the more productive Fantasy backstops in the National League. He remains a must-start down the stretch.
News:Bengie Molina hit a three-run homer and San Francisco sent the D-backs to their fourth consecutive defeat with a 6-2 victory on Monday night.
Analysis: Molina has been getting more days off of late with the emergence of Pablo Sandoval and the Giants playing some of their younger players, but he remains a must-start catcher in all Fantasy leagues down the stretch.
News:Bengie Molina had three hits Monday for the Giants, who have lost six of their last seven.
Analysis: Molina is one of the most productive catchers in baseball offensively. We figure he is a solid start in all formats down the stretch, but the rebuilding Giants might give him more days off than you might like.
News:Bengie Molina and Pablo Sandoval hit back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning and the San Francisco Giants avoided a three-game sweep with a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night. After Molina's one-out homer off Livan Hernandez tied the game at 1, Sandoval connected for his first major league homer with a drive just inside the left-field foul pole -- and that was it for Hernandez (1-3). It marked just the second time this year San Francisco has hit consecutive homers. Molina and Aaron Rowand did it on May 23 at Florida.
Analysis: Molina has gone deep twice in four games and has 11 RBI in his last seven outings. He has been a good average hitter and run producer in 2008, but he hasn't shown 20-homer potential. Still, at a thin Fantasy position, he remains an elite option.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina homered and drove in five runs and the San Francisco Giants beat the San Diego Padres 7-4 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep. Molina finished with three hits and came within a triple of hitting for the cycle for the first time in his career. He also had an RBI double in the fourth and a run-scoring single in the fifth.
Analysis: Molina has nine RBI in his last four games and is still one of the best at a thin position. He should be starting in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: The Giants rested C Bengie Molina because they played an afternoon game Thursday against the Marlins. He did appear as a pinch hitter, though, and reached first base on a walk.
Analysis: Molina is hitting a little better in August (.298) after a disastrous July (.183), but he still entered Thursday batting .154 (2-for-13) over his last four games.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina ripped four singles and drove in two runs during five at-bats Friday against the Braves. Molina has hit safely in six of seven games and is 11-for-25 (.440) with one homer and five RBI in his last seven games.
Analysis: It's kind of frustrating to see Molina with just nine homers after he had four in April and totaled 19 homers in the previous two seasons. He is struggling to make it to double digits this season. However, he still has a decent average and is knocking in runs. Molina remains a viable Fantasy catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina had a RBI double in three at-bats Wednesday against the Astros. He recorded his 25th double and 66th RBI in the game. Molina has hit safely in six of his last seven games and is 8-for-24 (.333) in that span.
Analysis: It's kind of frustrating to see Molina with just nine homers after he had four in April and totaled 19 homers in the previous two seasons. He is struggling to make it to double digits this season. However, he still has a decent average and is knocking in runs. Molina remains a viable Fantasy catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina had Monday night off.
Analysis: Molina is a solid catcher in all Fantasy leagues, despite his recent slump. He should be able to get going again before Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 11-17), so track his progress through the weekend.
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina hit a two-run homer and a solo shot in San Francisco's 6-3 victory over Washington.
Analysis: Molina has been in a slump, but his offensive potential at a thin position makes him a solid start in all leagues through thick and thin. He is a streaky hitter and he could be about to pop off again.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina drove in the SF's only run with a ninth-inning single Friday. Ray Durham, who doubled, scored from second. Molina leads the team with 54 RBI.
Analysis: Molina is having a solid season for the Giants and Fantasy owners, and was good enough to be considered for the All-Star team. However, Cubs C Geovany Soto and Dodgers C Russell Martin have been chosen to represent the NL. Tough break for Molina, who still remains a must-start Fantasy catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina did not have a hit in four at-bats Sunday against the Dodgers, but managed to record his 53rd RBI on a ground out in the first inning. Molina has a RBI in three straight games and four total.
Analysis: Molina is having a solid season for the Giants and Fantasy owners, and was good enough to be considered for the All-Star team. However, Cubs C Geovany Soto and Dodgers C Russell Martin have been chosen to represent the NL. Tough break for Molina, who still remains a must-start Fantasy catcher.
News: San Francisco catcher Bengie Molina is struggling again. Molina went 0-for-4 with a strike out Thursday against the Cubs and his batting average has dropped below .300.
Analysis: Molina is just 2-for-19 in his last six games and is really scuffling at the plate right now. Still, the Giants catcher remains a top Fantasy option at a thin position and should bounce back shortly.
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina went 2-for-4 Tuesday with a run scored against the Cleveland Indians. The Giants won the game 3-2.
Analysis: Molina had been struggling over the course of the last two games, taking an 0-for-6 over that span. Still, the No. 1 Fantasy option behind the plate is having an excellent season for the Giants, batting over .300.
News: According to the Sports Xchange, Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who in years past just placed Barry Bonds as DH during interleague play, now has decisions to make. Bochy said it'll be a collection of players, mostly to give someone a rest from the daily grind of playing defense. Such as catcher Bengie Molina. The Giants begin a nine-game trip Friday through three AL cities, from Kansas City to Cleveland to Oakland. Rich Aurilia is another candidate, Bochy said. Also, Randy Winn and Aaron Rowand. Maybe Ray Durham, who has 199 interleague at-bats.
Analysis: For National League teams, interleague play gives the chance to see extra at-bats for players who are forced out of the lineup because the pitcher needs to hit. It also gives regular position players the chance to rest. Molina, Aurilia, Winn, Rowand and Durham should all benefit from interleague play with more at-bats. Molina and Rowand remain viable starting Fantasy options, while Aurilia, Winn and Durham are nothing more than NL-only guys. To note: Molina has hit well at Kauffman Stadium, where the Giants will play this weekend. He's hitting .349, but he's not alone. Rowand is hitting .331 and 2B Ray Durham .302.
News: C Bengie Molina had two hits and a sacrifice fly Tuesday. On Monday, his single broke his 0-for-17 funk. He had gone five games without a hit.
Analysis: Despite a recent slump, Molina is still hitting .315 and is on pace for around 100 RBI. Those totals make this Molina a solid start in all Fantasy leagues through thick and thin.
News: Giants catcher Bengie Molina ended an 0-for-17 stretch with his sixth-inning single Monday.
Analysis: Despite the long slump, Molina is still hitting .310 and is on pace for around 100 RBI. Those totals make this Molina a solid start in all Fantasy leagues through thick and thin.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2-for-5 with an RBI double Monday against the Nationals, going 2-for-5 in each of his last three games.
Analysis: Molina is batting .333 overall, adding a high average to a game that already featured power. He is quickly rising among the Fantasy ranks at catcher and is a clear must-start in all leagues.
News: For Bengie Molina, getting 1,000 hits means what 3,000 does to many others. Molina had three hits and reached the 1,000 mark, to help San Francisco beat the sluggish New York Mets 10-2 on Monday night. "It means a lot to me," an emotional Molina said. "It's like most of the guys hitting 3,000. I know and understand I'm not a superstar. I'm not a Hall of Famer. But to get to 1,000 hits for a guy who wasn't supposed to sign and signed for $1,000 -- $750 after taxes -- for a guy who wasn't supposed to make in the minor leagues, for being the slowest guy in the world, to get 1,000 hits is really an honor for me. ... No scout in Puerto Rico gave me a chance to be a pro."
Analysis: Molina singled in his first two at-bats to reach 1,000 and drove in a run in the first inning, when the Giants' six runs matched San Francisco's most in an inning this year. Molina is a streaky slugging catcher worth starting in all leagues right now. Get and keep him active while he is going well. He was chosen as the National League Player of the Week last week.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Bengie Molina had a rare hitless game Thursday against Arizona, going 0-for-3 to snap his 10-game hitting streak. He's still batting .367 for the month of May.
Analysis: Molina is a streaky slugging catcher worth starting in all leagues right now. Get and keep him active while he is going well. He was chosen as the National League Player of the Week last week.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Bengie Molina had three more hits Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, his seventh consecutive multiple-hit game. He's hitting .339 on the season and .625 nine games into the 10-game trip (with 14 RBI). He has a 10-game hit streak.
Analysis: Molina is a streaky slugging catcher worth starting in all leagues right now. Get and keep him active while he is going well. He was chosen as the National League Player of the Week last week.
News:Bengie Molina's sixth homer of the season put the Giants up 3-0 Tuesday night. Molina hit Dan Haren's 1-2 pitch into the left-field seats. "It was probably knee-high, just above the knee, to a guy who is smokin' hot right now," Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said.
Analysis: Molina is a streaky slugging catcher worth starting in all leagues right now. Get and keep him active while he is going well.
News: San Francisco Giants catcher Bengie Molina was chosen as the National League Player of the Week for the period ending May 25. He hit .652 (15-for-23) with six doubles and nine RBI for the week, compiling a .654 on-base and 1.043 slugging percentage in that span. The two- time Gold Glove winner had five multi-hit contests.
Analysis: The highlight of Molina's week came in a doubleheader against the Marlins on Sunday when he went 6-for-7 with four doubles, five RBI and two runs scored. Molina remains an elite Fantasy option at a thin position.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina was a perfect 4-for-4 during Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Marlins. Molina had three doubles while driving in three runs. He also scored twice. Molina had a two-RBI double off Mark Hendrickson in the third and a RBI double off Logan Kensing in the seventh.
Analysis: Molina extended his hitting streak to seven games. He is 16-for-27 (.593) with one homer and nine RBI in that span. His average has gone from .267 to .321. Talk about your hot streaks. Molina remains an elite Fantasy option at a thin position.
News:Bengie Molina and Aaron Rowand hit consecutive home runs to help the Giants win their third consecutive game at Florida Friday. Molina and Rowand gave the Giants back-to-back homers for the first time this season. Rowand drove in three runs, and Molina and Rich Aurilia each had two RBI to lead the Giants.
Analysis: Molina has multiple hits in four of his past six games, but he has hit safely in each of them. Molina has 20-homer power, and he remains a high-end Fantasy catcher despite the team he plays for.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina had one hit, his 10th double, and one walk in three at-bats Monday against the Rockies. Molina extended his modest hitting streak to three games. He is 4-for-10 (.400) during that span with two RBI.
Analysis: Molina has not gone yard since April 23 and remains stuck on four homers. He hasn't been very sharp at the plate in May with just five RBI and seeing his average dip from .299 to .276. Molina does have 20-homer power, so despite the May slide, he remains a high-end Fantasy catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2-for-2 with two runs scored Sunday against the Phillies, but he left the game for defensive replacement Steve Holm, who hit the game-winning home run in the seventh inning.
Analysis: Molina has hits in only three of his last nine games, but he has gone for more than one each time. He has 20-homer power, which makes him worth starting in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 3-for-5 with the go-ahead RBI single in the top of the 10th Saturday as San Francisco edged the Phillies 3-2. It was Molina's third three-hit effort in his last nine games.
Analysis: Molina is hitting .299 this season after stumbling a little in the first week. He has six RBI in his last six games and, along with Fred Lewis, has been one of the best hitters this season for the Giants. Molina is doing some damage as a cleanup hitter right now and that makes him a valuable No. 1 Fantasy option -- at an already thin position.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who missed two games with a sore quadriceps, returned to the lineup Monday against the Rockies. He batted cleanup and went 0-for-3 with a walk. He entered the game batting .450 (9-for-20) over his last five games.
Analysis: Molina bats in the middle of the order for the Giants, and his 20-homer power makes him a must-start Fantasy catcher. This soreness hasn't bothered him since spring training. It doesn't sound serious, but he might have to miss a few extra games here and there.
News: San Francisco C Bengie Molina was held out of the lineup for a second straight day Sunday against the Reds but is expected to play Monday against the Rockies. The Giants are taking a cautious approach with Molina, who was plagued by a sore left quadriceps in spring training.
Analysis: Molina bats in the middle of the order for the Giants, and his 20-homer power makes him a must-start Fantasy catcher. This soreness doesn't sound like anything that will bench him for a prolonged period of time, but he might have to miss a few extra games here and there.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina hit his fourth home run of the season Wednesday, a game-tying, ninth-inning solo shot off San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman in a 3-2 win over the Padres.
Analysis: Molina said over the weekend he doesn't have a lot of power, but he already has four homers in 19 games and is capable of stroking 20 in a season. He can do some damage as a cleanup hitter and that makes him a valuable No. 1 Fantasy option -- at an already thin position.
News:Bengie Molina hit three doubles and drove in three runs and the Giants reached season highs for runs, hits and winning margin in an 8-2 victory on Sunday. Molina, a somewhat sheepish cleanup hitter, has 11 RBI in 11 games and a team-leading 13 overall. "I'm not a fourth hitter at all, I don't hit home runs," Molina said. "Seriously, I'm the kind of guy who is happy with the win. Getting the RBI was huge."
Analysis: Molina might say he doesn't have a lot of power, but he already has three homers in 16 games and is capable of stroking 20 in a season. He can do some damage as a cleanup hitter and that makes him a valuable No. 1 Fantasy option -- at an already thin position.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina singled twice in two at-bats Sunday against the Cardinals. He now has at least two hits in four of his last six games.
Analysis: Because of his 20-homer power, Molina should be starting in all Fantasy leagues despite the fact he has little in the way of a supporting cast in San Francisco. Pick him up and get him active in all formats.
News:Bengie Molina could get used to hitting game-winning home runs. "To see those guys waiting for you at home is just amazing," Molina said after hitting his second homer of the night with one out in the 11th inning off Cla Meredith to give the Giants a 3-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. "When I got to first, I wanted to turn around and go back home. It was great." Meredith (0-1) struck out Aaron Rowand to start the 11th, but Molina hit a 1-2 pitch over the left-field wall for his first homer in extra innings. Molina pumped his fist over his head as he ran toward first base. "I was just looking for something middle in," Molina said. "I got it and I didn't want to miss it. I try to concentrate on defense and calling a great game. That's my game. When it comes to hitting, I don't think about it. Maybe that's when I can hit it."
Analysis: Molina should be starting in all Fantasy leagues, despite the fact he has little in the way of a supporting cast in San Francisco. Pick him up and get him active in all formats right now.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina doubled and singled in four at-bats Monday against the Padres, scoring a run and driving in three. The catcher, who has been batting cleanup, more than doubled his RBI total.
Analysis: If batting fourth sounds strange for a guy like Molina, then you have to realize how poor the Giants lineup is. Still, the catcher has hit 19 home runs in each of the last two seasons, so he's worth starting in Fantasy.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 1-for-4 with a strikeout in the season opener Monday at the Dodgers. He batted fifth in the lineup.
Analysis: If batting fifth sounds strange for a guy like Molina, then you have to realize how poor the Giants lineup is. Still, the catcher has hit 19 home runs in each of the last two seasons, so he's worth starting in Fantasy.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2-for-3 with a solo home run during Monday's spring game against the Diamondbacks. He also walked once. He is hitting .452 with five runs, one double, one homer and seven RBI in 11 spring games.
Analysis: Molina has been slowed by a quad injury this spring, but he has been hitting well at the plate as of late. Perhaps he is finally getting over his injury and just in time for the start of the season. Molina is still worth a look as a top 10 Fantasy catcher because he will bat in the heart of the Giants lineup.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Bengie Molina is careful this spring because he has a sore left quadriceps. "Why would you want to take it easy?" said Molina. "I had a setback early in the spring. That doesn't mean I won't be out there every day. My plan is the same as last year or more."
Analysis: Molina set career highs with 1,104 innings and 129 games behind the plate in 2007 and he's aiming to beat those marks this year. Molina is cautious with his current injury because he doesn't want to make it any worse. He is hitting .533 this spring.
News:Bengie Molina is afraid anyone following the San Francisco Giants might think he's been taking it easy this spring and not giving his all behind the plate. But his strained left quadriceps muscle is still sore and he would much rather be healthy come opening day than have a setback now. There was a tough foul popup Friday in front of his team's dugout that he would typically have gone for, but ultimately decided against it and let the ball drop to the dirt.A few fans let him have it, too. "It's very embarrassing to be out there and not hustling," Molina said Saturday. "I know I'm not fast, but I like to be running out there. I'm thinking long-term. I have to be ready for the season. But it worries me. I don't want people to think I don't hustle. That's the nature of being hurt. It's not my game to back down. I go all out."
Analysis: On Saturday against the Mariners, Molina grounded out to third in the seventh and moved slowly trying to get to first. The crowd booed loudly, prompting Molina to mock the crowd by waving and then tipping his cap while disappearing into the dugout. He takes this stuff personally. "It's hard for him because he wants to catch everybody this spring and get ready," starter Matt Cain said. "That's just his mentality. We know he's got that ability. We'll never worry about that." The injury is of some concern, however, to Fantasy owners. The 33-year-old Molina batted .276, tied his career best with 19 home runs, and also had 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI while playing in his most games ever at 134 -- catching in 129 of those-- last season. Despite his recent injury problems, Molina is still worth a look as a top 10 Fantasy catcher.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina hit two sizzling liners to the gap in right-center Wednesday but didn't try to take extra bases because he's still slowed by a quadriceps strain, according to The Sports Xchange.
Analysis: Molina clearly isn't over the injury that caused him to miss time earlier this spring, but at least he's playing. The catcher batted .276 with 19 home runs, 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI last year in his first season with the Giants and first in the NL. Consider him one of the top-10 options at the position in Fantasy, but he is clearly behind the elite tier because of his poor supporting cast in San Francisco, which plays in what is a notorious pitcher's park.
News: In his second game back after recovering from a quad problem, Giants C Bengie Molina went 1-for-2 with a double and scored a run Saturday as San Francisco lost 6-4 to the White Sox.
Analysis: The catcher batted .276 with 19 home runs, 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI last year in his first season with the Giants and first in the NL. Consider him one of the top-10 options at the position in Fantasy, but he is clearly behind the elite tier because of his poor supporting cast in San Francisco, which plays in what is a notorious pitcher's park.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina said he's running well and could be ready to play on Thursday or Friday. He has yet to play in a Cactus League game because of a quadriceps injury.
Analysis: The catcher batted .276 with 19 home runs, 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI last year in his first season with the Giants and first in the NL. Consider him one of the top-10 options at the position in Fantasy, but he is clearly behind the elite tier because of his poor supporting cast in San Francisco, which is notoriously a pitcher's park.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina said Thursday he had some soreness in his strained left quadriceps, but hoped to appear in his first game early next week. "I'm a lot better now, for sure," Molina said.
Analysis: The catcher batted .276 with 19 home runs, 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI last year in his first season with the Giants and first in the NL. Consider him one of the top-10 options at the position in Fantasy, but he is clearly behind the elite tier because of his poor supporting cast in San Francisco, which is notoriously a pitcher's park.
News: The Giants will be down four regulars in their exhibition opener Thursday against the Cubs. SS Omar Vizquel (left knee surgery), 2B Ray Durham (sore right shoulder), C Bengie Molina (strained left quadriceps) and 3B Rich Aurilia (sore right hamstring) all were scheduled to be held out. Manager Bruce Bochy joked he might get in trouble from the league for not having enough starters in the game. "I could get it the first game," he said. "We have four guys down. I could get that letter." Molina caught bullpens for the first time in nearly a week.
Analysis: The catcher batted .276 with 19 home runs, 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI last year in his first season with the Giants and first in the NL. Consider him one of the top-10 options at the position in Fantasy, but he is clearly behind the elite tier because of his poor supporting cast in San Francisco, which is notoriously a pitcher's park.
News:Bengie Molina still isn't back to catching, but hopes to appear in Cactus League games early next week. "I don't want to rush anything," he said Tuesday. "I don't need to. I have no reason to. I want to take my time and be ready for the season." The 33-year-old Molina, beginning his second season with the Giants and second in the NL, took batting practice for the second straight day. He tweaked his leg last Thursday after feeling some tightness earlier and has been limited since. He wishes now that he had spoken up about feeling tight. The pain in his leg is nearly gone. "I still feel it with certain moves," he said. "I think another week to (fully) come back -- and I want to come back strong, too. I have to take my time to be ready so I don't have any problems during the season. Why rush?"
Analysis: The catcher batted .276 with 19 home runs, 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI last year in his first season with the Giants and first in the NL. Consider him one of the top-10 options at the position in Fantasy, but he is clearly behind the elite tier because of his poor supporting cast in San Francisco, which is notoriously a pitcher's park.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina is nursing a strained left quadriceps Thursday that likely will limit him for a couple of days.
Analysis: The catcher batted .276 with 19 home runs, 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI last year in his first season with the Giants and first in the NL. Consider him one of the top-10 options at the position in Fantasy, but he is clearly behind the elite tier because of his poor supporting cast in San Francisco, which is notoriously a pitcher's park.
News: Anyone other than Bengie Molina might feel some added pressure taking over Barry Bonds' cleanup spot in the batting order. Molina doesn't plan to change his approach at the plate in the slightest for San Francisco. "I think they have the right guy in me because I don't think about it," Molina said Thursday. "I just see it like I have to stand up at the plate, look for my pitch and hit it hard somewhere. That's the only thing I'm going to try to do. I'm not going to try to hit more home runs or less home runs, but drive in runs with hits. "I'm straight up going to be myself." The 33-year-old Molina hit fourth 10 times in 2007, but spent his most time -- 66 appearances -- in the No. 6 hole. He also batted fifth 40 times and seventh eight times.
Analysis: The catcher batted .276 with 19 home runs, 19 doubles and a career-high 81 RBI last year in his first season with the Giants and first in the NL. Consider him one of the top-10 options at the position in Fantasy, but he is clearly behind the elite tier because of his poor supporting cast in San Francisco, which is notoriously a pitcher's park.
News: Bengie Molina hit a pair of solo home runs Tuesday for San Francisco in a 5-3 loss to Arizona on Monday. Molina has a career-high 79 RBI -- 76 of them as a catcher, second-most in San Francisco history. Dick Dietz had 104 in 1970.
Analysis: Molina has been unreal of late, hitting five homers in his past six games. That's irreplaceable production at the catcher position in all Fantasy leagues. Keep him active without thinking twice in Fantasy crunch time.
News: C Bengie Molina was critical of some Giants' "country club" attitude and told the San Francisco Chronicle, "This has to be done together. If we do it together, we're going to be fine. If we go separate ways, then it's going to be another year like this year." To which manager Bruce Bochy said, "I think Bengie's right. I don't think anybody likes where we're at or likes losing. Bengie certainly doesn't. I think we all have to look at ourselves. I think everybody here feels we're a better club than we are."
Analysis: Molina also hit his third solo home run of the past three days Friday night against the Dodgers. He remains a must-start in all mixed formats.
News: Bengie Molina added a solo home run for the Giants Wednesday at Colorado.
Analysis: Molina's 76 RBI are a career high and the 16 homers give him a chance to beat his career-high 19 from a season ago. He remains a must-start in all NL-only Fantasy leagues and most mixed formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, his 15th of the season, Monday afternoon at Colorado.
Analysis: Molina's 75 RBI are a career high and the 15 homers give him a chance to beat his career-high 19 from a season ago. He remains a must-start in all NL-only Fantasy leagues and most mixed formats.
News: Bengie Molina homered and Randy Winn drove in two runs in the San Francisco Giants' sixth straight victory, 3-1 over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night. Molina ended up with three hits with the solo homer (14).
Analysis: Molina has a career-high 74 RBI. He remains a must-start in all NL-only Fantasy leagues and most mixed formats.
News: Bengie Molina went 4-for-5 in Monday's game at Florida, which compensated for a throwing error he made that allowed the Marlins to score for a 5-all tie in the fifth. "Everybody is relaxing a little bit, playing together and picking each other up," Molina said. "It's making a difference now. This what we need to do -- to finish up the season strong."
Analysis: Molina also scored two runs and finished with three RBI (71) in the victory. He remains a must-start in all NL-only Fantasy leagues and most deeper mixed formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina couldn't let his brother Yadier, a catcher with Cardinals, have all the fun Thursday. Yadier homered twice earlier in the day against the Brewers and drove in three runs. Bengie didn't homer twice, but he did go deep once -- his 13th of the season -- and drove in four runs against the Braves. He also had a single in the game.
Analysis: Molina entered play Thursday with just three hits in his previous 17 at-bats. Since mid-June, his average has gone from .313 to .272. He is still not having a bad year and is worth using in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Bengie Molina homered and drove in three runs for the Giants on Tuesday.
Analysis: Molina is having arguably his best Fantasy season of his career. He's a solid start in any league at the thin catcher position, but be wary of his age beginning to affect him down the road and into future years.
News: Bengie Molina hit a pinch-hit two-run homer with one out in the ninth inning on Sunday at San Diego, but closer Trevor Hoffman struck out Randy Winn with the tying run on first for the final out.
Analysis: Molina will likely be back in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Washington. He remains a must-start in all NL-only Fantasy leagues and most mixed formats.
News: 2B Ray Durham (back tightness), INF Rich Aurilia (right hamstring strain) and 1B Ryan Klesko (sore lower back) all were held out of the starting lineup after sustaining the injuries on Wednesday. C Bengie Molina also sat out to rest. Manager Bruce Bochy hopes some of his beat-up players will return for Friday's series opener at San Diego.
Analysis: Molina has been a solid Fantasy catcher in all leagues this season. He is having a career year. Keep him active, especially since there is no real threat to his regular playing time at this point.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer during Thursday's game against the Cubs. It was his ninth homer and he now has 50 RBI. He is also 6-for-24 (.250) with one homer and five RBI in his last six games.
Analysis: Molina has been a solid Fantasy catcher in all leagues this season. He is having a career year. Keep him active, especially since there is no real threat to his regular playing time at this point.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2-for-4 with his eighth homer and three RBI during Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. He has at least one hit in nine of his last 10 games. He also has two homers and 11 RBI in that span.
Analysis: Molina has been a solid Fantasy catcher in all leagues this season. He is having a career year. Keep him active, especially since there is no real threat to his regular playing time at this point.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina went 2-for-4 with his 13th double and two RBI during Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. He has at least one hit in eight of his last nine games. He also has one homer and eight RBI in that span.
Analysis: Molina has been a solid Fantasy catcher in all leagues this season. He is having a career year. Keep him active, especially since there is no real threat to his regular playing time at this point.
News: Bengie Molina (hand) was not only in the lineup Wednesday, he hit his fourth career slam off Brewers starter Claudio Vargas (6-1) to make it 6-4. Vargas was pulled after allowing four hits and four walks while striking out three.
Analysis: Molina has been a solid Fantasy catcher in all leagues this season. He is having one of his best seasons. Keep him active, especially since there is no real threat to his regular playing time at this point.
News: Bengie Molina was out of the lineup on Tuesday at Milwaukee after taking a foul ball off his right hand Monday. X-rays were negative. Guillermo Rodriguez started the second game of his career in Molina's place and finished 0-for-3.
Analysis: Molina remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues which allow daily moves, as he might not be back for the afternoon series finale.
News: Bengie Molina took a foul ball from Ryan Braun off his right hand while catching in the third, but stayed in the Monday's game against San Francisco. X-rays were negative.
Analysis: Molina finished the game 1-for-4 with an RBI (34). If he has any swelling overnight, he might be rested on Tuesday. He is a must-start in all NL-only Fantasy leagues and most mixed formats when healthy. We'll consider him day to day just as a precaution.
News: Bengie Molina is scheduled to get Wednesday's afternoon series finale against the Blue Jays off. Backup Guillermo Rodriguez - a 29-year-old Venezuelan who has spent nearly 12 seasons in the minors - is slated to make his major league debut. "(Wednesday), I hope," he said with a smile.
Analysis: Molina will get a couple of days of rest, as the Giants have a scheduled off day on Thursday for travel before starting an interleague series at Fenway Park in Boston. Set your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: 1B Ryan Klesko, OF Randy Winn and C Bengie Molina all are hitting .309 through Monday night's game. The next-highest hitter on the team is LF Barry Bonds at .277.
Analysis: Klesko has been rejuvenated of late and getting regular at-bats again. Consider him in all NL-only leagues. Winn and Molina are streaky options for deeper mixed leagues.
News: San Francisco skipper Bruce Bochy, out of position players on the bench, was forced to use left-handed starter Noah Lowry in right field after a collision at the plate forced backup catcher Eliezer Alfonzo out of the game with a sprained left knee. Pedro Feliz moved from third to catcher to make his major league debut behind the plate. That's after several other players also offered to do the job, including Ryan Klesko and Ray Durham. Klesko was polling some of his teammates as to whether they'd ever caught and how long it had been.
Analysis: Lowry, who struck out to end the game, went to right field after Alfonzo saved a run tagging pinch-runner Donnie Murphy out at the plate in the top of the 10th. Alfonzo, who took a throw from first baseman Klesko on a ground ball by Mark Kotsay, had to be helped to the locker room. Alfonzo was undergoing X-rays and is likely to go on the disabled list. San Francisco has no other catchers on the 40-man roster but are likely to purchase the contract of either Guillermo Rodriguez or Justin Knoedler from Triple-A Fresno. Bengie Molina is the regular starter behind the plate, so Alfonzo's injury should only affect larger NL-only leagues. Molina left the game in the fifth in what the club called a "baseball decision," though manager Bruce Bochy and athletic trainer Dave Groeschner checked on Molina after Mark Ellis singled following Travis Buck's leadoff double in the inning. Molina was taken out two batters later and replaced by Alfonzo.
News: Ray Durham hit a two-run shot and Randy Winn, Bengie Molina and Kevin Frandsen each had three hits for the Giants, who have won just three of their past 10 games.
Analysis: Durham, Winn and Molina are options in deeper leagues when going well, while Frandsen is nothing more than a utility man for the Giants and the deepest of NL-only leagues.
News: Bengie Molina had three hits for the Giants Sunday at Philadelphia, including a solo home run and a double.
Analysis: Molina has been a great pickup for the Giants and has emerged as one of the top Fantasy options at catcher. Make sure to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina singled in the third inning Wednesday against the Mets to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. His average has risen from .295 to .311 during that stretch.
Analysis: Molina has been a great pickup for the Giants and has emerged as one of the top Fantasy options at catcher. Make sure to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Daniel Ortmeier, subbing for Barry Bonds in left field, hit his first major league homer to make it 3-all in the seventh Tuesday. Bengie Molina also homered for the Giants.
Analysis: Ortmeier is a prospect who could swing his way into at-bats as a reserve outfielder for the Giants. Consider him in the deepest of NL-only leagues. Molina is a productive catcher worth using in any Fantasy league while he's going well.
News: C Bengie Molina not only leads the Giants with 30 runs batted in, he is batting an astonishing .542 with runners in scoring position and two outs.
Analysis: Molina is a solid catcher for any Fantasy league. He's not an elite talent, but his steady playing time and production make him a safer option than most.
News: Bengie Molina was 2-for-5 with an RBI (30) on Sunday against the Rockies, as hepushed his batting average up to .314.
Analysis: Molina has re-emerged as not only a must-start in NL-only Fantasy leagues, but as an option in mixed formats as well.
News: C Bengie Molina had hoped to play every day on the team's just-completed six-game homestand and got his wish. It helped the Giants had off days Thursday and Monday.
Analysis: That tells us that he's going to be getting at least a day off in the upcoming scoring week. Molina has been a solid catcher in most Fantasy leagues this season, though, and remains a safe start in most formats.
News: When Bengie Molina signed with San Francisco last winter, he told himself he might have a slim chance to triple if he found exactly the right spot in the Giants' pitcher-friendly park. He accomplished that and more Wednesday night. Molina hit a two-run triple to the deep corner in right-center and singled in two runs to help Barry Zito bounce back from an awful outing against his old team last week at Oakland. Molina keeps producing clutch hits, even though he insists he's still trying to adjust to all the new pitchers in the National League. "He's been huge, big hit after big hit," said Ray Durham, who batted right before the catcher. "When I don't get the job done, I have total confidence. He comes in and I can count on him to pick me up."
Analysis: Molina, who already has a five-RBI game in his first season with the Giants, hit his fourth career triple and first since Aug. 17 last year against Tampa Bay while with Toronto. Molina was surprised to hear manager Bruce Bochy, a former catcher, only hit two triples in his nine-year career. "Really? That's very nice to hear," Molina said. "Something I was thinking about once I signed here was if I hit it in that corner, it might be my only chance." Molina has been a solid catcher in most Fantasy leagues this season.
News: C Bengie Molina hopes he will play every game of the homestand considering there are days off Thursday and Monday, and planned to discuss it with manager Bruce Bochy. Eliezer Alfonzo would be stuck on the bench.
Analysis: Molina has been a solid catcher in most Fantasy leagues this season. Alfonzo is nothing more than a reserve option for the deepest of NL-only leagues.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina had the day off Sunday at Oakland. He will be back in the lineup Monday vs. Houston.
Analysis: Molina has been hot and is a solid start in most Fantasy leagues at the catcher position. Keep him active in most formats.
News: Bengie Molina rested Wednesday afternoon, a day game after a night game. Eliezer Alfonzo got the start in his place.
Analysis: Molina has been hot and is a solid start in most Fantasy leagues at the catcher position. Alfonzo has potential and pop in his bat, but he's nothing more than a deeper NL-only reserve option while playing behind the steady veteran Molina.
News: Bengie Molina knew he had hit two home runs, yet had to be reminded by bullpen catcher Bill Hayes that both were in the same inning. Molina hit a disputed two-run homer in the fifth, then added a three-run drive later in the same inning. Each time, he thought he had a double off the wall. "I don't know what to say, man. I've never done this," Molina said. "I'm not thinking anything right now, I'm so excited. ... It's awesome. Not bad company at all."
Analysis: Molina became the first Giants player to homer twice in an inning since Willie McCovey in 1977. He has hit safely in 10 of his past 12 games, with a batting average of .432 in that span. He's normally a solid No. 2 catcher, but right now he's hitting like a No. 1.
News: Bengie Molina blooped a two-run single into shallow right in the first for the first of his three hits. He is now hitting .313 on the season.
Analysis: Molina is a decent option at the catcher position in most Fantasy leagues. He has offensive potential at a position that is usually short on it.
News: Bengie Molina had three hits and Randy Winn drove in two runs on Tuesday for the Giants, who snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Dodgers -- the fourth-longest skid for either team in the history of the series and longest since 1953, when the Giants beat their rivals 10 straight times.
Analysis: Molina is 7-for-21 (.333) over the past six game with two doubles and two RBI. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy option in most NL-only formats.
News: LF Barry Bonds, 3B Pedro Feliz and C Bengie Molina all got the night off on Thursday against St. Louis. All three are expected to be back on Friday night against Doug Davis and the Diamondbacks back in San Francisco.
Analysis: Molina is 6-for-16 (.375) in his career against Doug Davis, so he might be in line for a nice evening on Friday. However, this season he is just 1-for-11 (.091) against left-handed pitching and 6-for-22 (.273) against righties.
News: Giants C Bengie Molina, who came out hot this season, is hitting .188 (3-for-16) in his last four games with a homer and three RBI. Since the season started, Molina has drawn one walk while striking out seven times. He is hitting .263 on the season.
Analysis: In deeper leagues, specifically NL-only, Molina is an OK option to start since there aren't many great hitting catchers out there. In standard mixed play, Molina shouldn't even be an option.
News: C Bengie Molina has hit safely in six of his seven games. But Tuesday, he had his first two RBI of the season, thanks to a second-inning single and a fourth-inning fielder's choice.
Analysis: Molina is worthy of a starting Fantasy spot in all deeper leagues. There are that many catchers who can project to hit 15-20 homers.
News: Bengie Molina was 1-for-4 in Tuesday's regular season opener against the San Diego Padres, his first game as a member of the San Francisco Giants.
Analysis: Molina is a solid No. 2 backstop in all NL-only Fantasy leagues and he can help out owners in deeper mixed formats as well.
News: San Francisco's new catcher Bengie Molina wasted no time impressing his teammates in the first two workouts for pitchers and catchers. "I tried to kill him, but he catches the ball too well," right-hander Matt Cain said. "I just can't wait to learn from him. He took the initiative today talking to me. It's good to know we've got a guy back there of his talent. He's a great defensive catcher and also a great hitter."
Analysis: Molina, a two-time All-Star who batted .284 with a career-high 19 home runs and 57 RBI for the Blue Jays last year, agreed to a $16 million, three-year contract during the winter meetings in December. Consider him a solid fall-back option at the catcher position on Draft Day. He's one of the ones you wind up with and he surprises you with his productivity. He is by no means a Fantasy stud, though.
News: Giants catcher Mike Matheny (post-concussion syndrome) announced his retirement Thursday. Free-agent signee Bengie Molina and 2006 rookie success Eliezer Alfonzo will share catching duties in 2007.
Analysis: Matheny can be ignored in all leagues. Molina is a deeper mixed league option, while Alfonzo has pop and is a viable No. 2 catcher in deeper NL-only leagues.
News: The Giants finalized a $16 million, three-year contract with catcher Bengie Molina on Wednesday to replace Mike Matheny, who might not play again because of a concussion. "With Mike's situation still up in the air ... the long and short, to be able to get Bengie and to sign him to a multiyear deal was a step forward for us," GM Brian Sabean said. "We really aren't in a position to be able to wait too much longer one way or the other on Mike's situation." Molina, a two-time All-Star, batted .284 with a career-high 19 home runs and 57 RBI in 117 games for the Blue Jays in 2006. "We needed a front-line catcher," Sabean said. "We weren't comfortable as an organization going forward with Alfonzo in general as the No. 1 guy. The chance to get somebody experienced, especially somebody who can drive in runs, was very attractive. ... With name recognition and his background, it certainly gives us a comfort level. Believe me, that's nothing to take away from Alfonzo's efforts."
Analysis: Molina will be the starter after rookie Eliezer Alfonzo stepped in and played well in place of Matheny, who didn't play after May 31 following a series of foul tips he took in the mask. Alfonzo will still be in the mix, likely as the backup. Molina had an average season at the plate, and a better season behind it, but as far as Fantasy purposes, you'll want to use him as a No. 2 catcher for the upcoming year. He will actually help you in batting average, as well as homers and RBI.
News: The Giants are nearing agreement on a three-year deal with catcher Bengie Molina, who would be the starter if Mike Matheny is forced to retire after post-concussion syndrome.
Analysis: Molina is a decent low-end mixed-league Fantasy catcher when he gets everyday at-bats. Track the free agent's offseason destination.
News: San Francisco is reportedly interested in free-agent catcher Bengie Molina, who would be the starter if Mike Matheny is forced to retire after post-concussion syndrome.
Analysis: Molina is a decent low-end mixed-league Fantasy catcher when he gets everyday at-bats. Track the free agent's offseason destination.
News: Blue Jays catcher Bengie Molina filed for free agency. One of the game's best defensive catchers, Molina enjoyed one of his finest offensive campaigns in 2006. The 32-year-old batted .284 with a career-high 19 homers and 57 RBI in his first season with the Blue Jays.
Analysis: A two-time Gold Glove winner, Molina owns a .275 career average with 84 homers in eight-plus seasons with Toronto and Anaheim. He's a viable mixed-league catcher option in the right situation, so track his offseason destination before finalizing a judgment on his Fantasy value. It's doubtful he returns to Toronto.
News: Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said they can't afford to bring back both Bengie Molina and Gregg Zaun. Ricciardi won't pick up Molina's option for next year and he doesn't want to spend another $5.5 million for catchers. Zaun is looking for around $3 million per season and will likely resign. Ricciardi said he's comfortable with Jason Phillips as the backup.
Analysis: Molina is a solid option in deeper leagues at the catcher position, especially if he finds a full-time job this winter. Zaun could return to being a viable mixed-league starter in 2007, too, if he's really the Jays' primary guy with Phillips coming off the bench. Phillips is nothing more than a reserve in the deepest of AL-only leagues in that event.
News: Bengie Molina homered for the Blue Jays, who are a half-game ahead of Boston.
Analysis: Molina has set a career-high with 18 homers in a season in which his full-time status was shaky at times. Consider him a solid option in deeper leagues at the thin catcher position for 2007.
News: Bengie Molina hit a grand slam that led the Toronto Blue Jays over the Kansas City Royals 10-6 Sunday.
Analysis: He's a solid option in larger leagues that require a starting catcher, but he splits time at the position with Gregg Zaun. Consider this when looking to him as an option.
News: Troy Glaus, Bengie Molina and Reed Johnson homered for the Blue Jays on Sunday at Baltimore. Molina went 2-for-5 in the game.
Analysis: He's a solid option in larger leagues that require a starting catcher.
News: Bengie Molina hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer during a four-run eighth inning and came within a double of hitting for the cycle, lifting the Toronto Blue Jays over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 6-2 Thursday night. Molina put the Blue Jays ahead against Brian Meadows (2-4) with his 12th homer of the season. He singled in the sixth and hit his third career triple, and first since Sept. 7, 2000, in the second inning. With the chance to hit for the cycle, Molina grounded out in the ninth.
Analysis: He's a solid option in larger leagues that require a starting catcher.
News: C Bengie Molina continues to enjoy Minnesota pitching, raising his career average against the Twins to .343. He went 5-for-11 against them this weekend.
Analysis: Molina's now No. 3 on the list of opponents toughest on the Twins. Brian Giles and Nomar Garciaparra are the only two active players with more than 100 at-bats who have higher batting averages against Twins pitching.
News: Bengie Molina hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays began a 10-game trip with a 5-0 win over the Minnesota Twins Thursday.
Analysis: Molina hasn't quite been the mixed-league option he was in 2005 despite the homer. Consider other full-time options in those formats at this point, if they're available.
News: Bengie Molina had two RBI on Wednesday for the Blue Jays, who have won just three of 11.
Analysis: Molina hasn't quite been the mixed-league option he was in 2005. Consider other full-time options in those formats at this point, if they're available.
News: Bengie Molina's homer off David Riske made it 7-3 in the eighth Sunday. It came after some barbs with his manager. John Gibbons said there are no hard feelings between him and Molina after the catcher complained publicly about his playing time. "That happens," Gibbons said. "He just wants to play everyday. Everyone does."
Analysis: Molina did not play at catcher during a recent five-game stretch on a road trip, as Gregg Zaun started four games. Molina hasn't quite been the mixed-league option he was in 2005. Consider other full-time options in those formats at this point, if they're available.
News: Manager John Gibbons said there are no hard feelings between him and Bengie Molina after the catcher complained publicly about his playing time. "That happens," Gibbons said. "He just wants to play everyday. Everyone does."
Analysis: Molina did not play at catcher during a recent five-game stretch on a road trip, as Gregg Zaun started four games and Jason L. Phillips got another start. Molina caught Friday and was 0-for-3.
News: Bengie Molina is reportedly unhappy with his playing time and role in Toronto. "Five games not catching caught my attention," Molina said.
Analysis: Molina did not play at catcher during a recent five-game stretch on a road trip, as Gregg Zaun started four games and Jason L. Phillips got another start. "We actually thought Bengie would play a little bit more but Zaunie's done a good job and he has to play," general manager J.P. Ricciardi said. "We're just trying to get both of them as many at-bats as possible." Molina caught Friday and was 0-for-3.
News: C Bengie Molina didn't play in the Yankees' 8-1 win Thursday afternoon to give him some rest after he caught Wednesday night's game.
Analysis: Molina hasn't nearly been as strong offensively this year as he was in his contract year in '05 with Anaheim. In his first season north of the border, he's on pace to finish with a batting average 18 points lower and with 29 fewer RBI.
News: Manager John Gibbons said a variety of players will fill the DH spot vacated by Shea Hillenbrand, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday. Cs Gregg Zaun, Bengie Molina and Jason Phillips will DH as well as OF Eric Hinske.
Analysis: Molina hasn't nearly been as strong offensively this year as he was in his contract year in '05 with Anaheim. In his first season north of the border, he's on pace to finish with a batting average 15 points lower and with 25 fewer RBI.
News: Bengie Molina's RBI single in the 14th inning lifted the Toronto Blue Jays over the Seattle Mariners 7-6 Saturday. Molina, Troy Glaus and John McDonald homered for the Blue Jays, who have won just four of their last 10 games.
Analysis: Molina really hasn't been strong offensively for the Jays this season after coming over from Anaheim. He did go 3-for-7 with three RBI though, in this game. He has 25 RBI on the year and we still recommend him as a No. 2 catcher in mixed leagues.
News: Troy Glaus, Eric Hinske and Bengie Molina homered for the Blue Jays, who finished with 16 hits on Sunday at Kansas City. Molina was 1-for-5 with two RBI in the game.
Analysis: Molina has been solid in his first season in Toronto and should be active across the board.
News: With three hits in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Washington Nationals, Bengie Molina bumped his average over the .300 mark to .306 for the season.
Analysis: Molina has been solid in his first season in Toronto and should be active across the board.
News: Bengie Molina's 17-game hitting streak ended Thursday night against Atlanta when he went hitless in one at-bat with three walks.
Analysis: Molina (.298 BA) did increase his on-base percentage to .347 overall. He remains a must-start in most formats.
News: Bengie Molina is on a career-high 17-game hitting streak that stands as the longest streak by a Toronto Blue Jay this season. He was rested in Wednesday's 6-3 win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Toronto has received consistent production from both of their catchers this season. Between them, Molina and Gregg Zaun have recorded at least one hit in each of the club's past 18 contests.
News: Bengie Molina extended his hitting streak to 17 games, the longest for the Blue Jays this season, with his run-scoring single in the fourth inning on Tuesday in Atlanta.
Analysis: He remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all mixed formats, or a nice No. 1 in AL-only leagues.
News: Toronto C Bengie Molina did not play on Sunday at Florida. He extended his hitting streak to a career-high 16 games Saturday night.
Analysis: It was simply a day off, he remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all formats.
News: Bengie Molina was 1-for-3 in Thursday's game against Baltimore, as he extended his career-high hitting streak to 14 games.
Analysis: Molina is 19-for-53 (.358) during the impressive streak, raising his average from .263 to .293 dating back to May 22. He remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all formats.
News: Bengie Molina went 1-for-4 with a homer against Detroit Sunday.
Analysis: C Bengie Molina has hit safely in 12 straight games and his average now sits at a comfortable .292. Start him as a No. 2 catcher in all leagues.
News: Bengie Molina extended his season-high hitting streak to 12 games with his solo shot in the second inning Sunday against Detroit. Over that time he is batting .362 (17-for-47).
Analysis: Molina (.292 BA) should remain active across the board for Fantasy Baseballers.
News: Bengie Molina extended his hit streak to 10 games with a single in the sixth inning of Thursday's 7-5 loss to Baltimore.
Analysis: Molina (.292 BA) should remain active across the board for Fantasy Baseballers.
News: C Bengie Molina went 2-for-4 at Tampa Bay Sunday and extended his hitting streak to a season-high seven games.
Analysis: Molina is batting .293 at the plate, but his power numbers has been tough to come by. He's in a fantastic lineup though, and he's a solid No. 2 Fantasy catcher in mixed leagues.
News: Bengie Molina, who was hit in the right wrist in a game against Boston last Saturday, was given an extra day of rest and did not start Friday. Manager John Gibbons said he should be ready to play Saturday.
Analysis: Molina has not been much of an offensive factor this season. Until he gets it going, avoid using him outside of AL-only formats.
News: Bengie Molina's swollen right hand is not a break as first feared. Molina, who was hit on the hand by a Josh Beckett pitch Tuesday against Boston, sat out Wednesday's game.
Analysis: Barring setbacks, Molina is expected to return to action Friday against Detroit. Gregg Zaun will start in his absence.
News: Bengie Molina is day to day after getting hit on the right hand by a fastball from Josh Beckett on Tuesday. X-rays were negative. He was out of the lineup Wednesday.
Analysis: Molina will likely be in the lineup Friday when the Blue Jays take on Tampa Bay.
News: Blue Jays catcher Bengie Molina left Tuesday night's game against the Red Sox after getting hit on the right hand by a pitch in the fifth inning. Molina took a fastball from Josh Beckett flush on the hand. He immediately dropped his bat and was wincing in pain. He ran the bases and scored on Aaron Hill's single, but didn't take the field for the top of the sixth. There was no immediate word on the severity of his injury. Gregg Zaun took his place behind the plate.
Analysis: Molina will be re-evaluated Wednesday. Reserve roster judgment in Fantasy leagues until he's pronounced fit to play again.
News: Bengie Molina snapped an 0-for-13 slide with a single in the fourth inning of Tuesday's contest against Tampa.
Analysis: Molina (.271 BA) went 2-for-4 overall in a 4-1 win over the Devil Rays. He should remain active in all AL and most mixed formats.
News: C Bengie Molina had his third stolen base in his seven years in the majors for just under 24 hours. Molina, credited with a steal of second in the seventh inning of Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Angels, had it taken away by the Angels' official scorer just prior to Wednesday's game.
Analysis: The amended scoring had Molina taking second on defensive indifference. Molina's last stolen base came in 2003 with the Angels in an interleague game against the Marlins. Despite the dearth of steals, he's still worth starting as a No. 2 catcher in all leagues because of his presence on the top offensive team in the majors.
News: Jose Molina stole his first base of the season in the sixth inning Tuesday against Toronto, beating the throw of his brother, Bengie, who was his Angels teammate until this season.
Analysis: The pitcher was another former Angel, Scott Schoeneweis. In the eighth inning, Bengie Molina stole second on Jose Molina. Bengie (.283 BA) went 2-for-4 in the 8-3 loss.
News: Bengie Molina was 1-for-3 with a two-run home run off of Jeff Weaver in Monday's game against the Angels, his former team.
Analysis: B-Mo entered Monday's game just 1-for-10 (.100) in the first three games of the series. Hopefully this game gets his going.
News: Bengie Molina played his former team for the first time on Friday against the Angels. He denied he was ever angry at the Angels for not showing interest in him as a free agent. "I never even said I was angry. That word never came out of my mouth," Molina said. Molina said in February that he felt like he was thrown away like a piece of trash.
Analysis: His brother, Jose Molina, started at C for the Angels. "It's very weird. I miss him a lot. I got use to having him around," Molina said. "He's got a good chance to be a No. 1 catcher." Molina wasn't surprised C Jeff Mathis was sent down to the minors. Mathis, a first-round draft choice by the Angels in 2001, was batting .103 in 12 games. "I bet you they knew he wasn't ready. They knew that it was going to be hard task for him. That team is rebuilding. That team needs to win." The older Molina should pick up his run production as the weather heats up.
News: Bengie Molina is not off to a good nor bad start, but through April, he's on pace for a .276-21-49-42-0 season.
Analysis: That would put Molina below our projected totals of .285-14-70-52-0. Keep him active in any Fantasy league still. He should pick up his run production as the weather heats up.
News: Gregg Zaun went hitless in four at-bats in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the N.Y. Yankees. He started in place of Bengie Molina, who was rested.
Analysis: Molina (.314 BA) will return to work on Friday, when Toronto opens a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
News: MLB.com reports Toronto manager John Gibbons made a slight adjustment to the lineup Wednesday when he moved Lyle Overbay to the seventh spot. Bengie Molina, who usually hits seventh, hit fifth behind Troy Glaus. "We flip-flopped Molina and Overbay. It's just a lefty thing," Gibbons said. "Otherwise, there's a good chance they won't pitch to Glaus."
Analysis: Gibbons said there's a good chance that he'll continue to use the same combination against left-handed pitchers in the future. Last season, Molina led all American League hitters with a .393 average against lefties. Overbay hit .269 against left-handers.
News: Toronto manager John Gibbons started Jason Phillips behind the plate Thursday in order to rest Bengie Molina.
Analysis: Through two games this season, Molina has three this in eight at-bats, including a home run and two RBI. He'll return to work Friday night.
News: Through two games this season, free-agent signee Bengie Molina has three this in eight at-bats, including a homer and two RBI.
Analysis: Molina should continue to hit well in this revamped offense, making him worthy of a top 10 catcher ranking in mixed leagues.
News: Toronto Blue Jays officials confirmed last week that neither Bengie Molina (Puerto Rico) nor Shea Hillenbrand (Netherlands) will be suiting up in the tournament as first expected.
Analysis: Molina will take over as the regular catcher in Toronto after signing with the team in the offseason. He was the 123rd overall selection (eleventh round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL Experts League.
News: Bengie Molina was the 123rd overall selection (eleventh round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL Experts League. He recorded a .295 BA with 15 home runs and 69 RBI in 410 AB in 2005.
Analysis: Molina will take over as the regular catcher in Toronto after signing with the team in the offseason. He is well worth a tenth- to eleventh-round selection in AL leagues.
News: Bengie Molina agreed to a one-year contract with the Blue Jays on Monday. The deal also has a signing bonus and a mutual option for 2007.
Analysis: Molina is a decent middle-round selection in Fantasy leagues heading into the season. The signing likely means the days of Gregg Zaun's days as a starter in Toronto are over.
News: Former Anaheim catcher Bengie Molina still doesn't have a home for next season, which means he's not totally out of the Jays' plans. However, GM J.P. Ricciardi says if Molina does end up in Toronto, it will on the team's terms, which means a one-year, $4 million deal.
Analysis: Ricciardi says he would more than willing to go into the season with starter Gregg Zaun and either Guillermo Quiroz or Jason Phillips as the backup. Molina should be a solid middle-rounder in Fantasy, but he will need to find a place where he can play every day. Stay tuned.
News: Bengie Molina is still dangling on the free-agent market with the Blue Jays reportedly one of the few teams interested, according to the Toronto Star. "We'd like to have him but we're not letting it hold us up," Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi told the paper. The Jays have a $4 million, one-year deal on the table. "Bengie would love to be a Blue Jay," agent Alan Nero told the paper. "He loves that pitching staff and believes there's a very good chance to win. Staying in the AL would interest him, too."
Analysis: Molina remains a solid middle-rounder in Fantasy, but he will need to find a place where he can play every day. Stay tuned.
News: Despite the obvious hole at the catching position on a contender that needs someone to guide its rotation, San Diego GM Kevin Towers reportedly doesn't have the budget for Bengie Molina.
Analysis: Negotiating ploy? Molina has really been stuck out on the market a long time, so his price has to be coming down. Molina needs to find a home and a starting job before he's considered a viable mixed-league catcher. You will have to wait until the late rounds of a standard mixed league before you consider drafting him at this point.
News: The Angels are parting ways with two players who made key contributions to the team's success over the past few years, declining salary arbitration to catcher Bengie Molina and starting pitcher Jarrod Washburn. Players who became free agents and weren't offered arbitration can't re-sign with their former clubs until May 1.
Analysis: The 31-year-old Molina, known for his skill for getting the best from pitchers, batted .295 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI in 119 games this past season. He originally signed with the Angels as a minor-league free agent in 1993. Track his offseason destination before finalizing a decision on their Fantasy value.
News: The Mets are turning their attention to Bengie Molina and Ramon Hernandez. GM Omar Minaya said Friday the team had made offers to the pair of free-agent catchers. He also refused to rule out trying to acquire Manny Ramirez from Boston, although he wouldn't go into specifics. "We will have conversations sometime this week, hopefully not this weekend," Minaya said. With Mike Piazza leaving, the Mets have made it a priority to get a catcher, especially one with better defensive skills. Going after both Molina and Hernandez is somewhat unusual. "I was honest. I let them know I have two offers out there. They're both very good catchers," Minaya said. "We might possibly go the trade route, also."
Analysis: Alan Nero, Molina's agent, said no decision was imminent. "We got initial offer from them. Because of the holidays, we haven't had a chance to go over it," he said. "It's an initial offer. We're expecting offers from several other teams, and we have lot of work to do." Both Hernandez and Molina are solid Fantasy catchers with pop, especially since their defense keeps them in the lineup every day. Track their offseason destination before finalizing a decision on their Fantasy value.
News: Los Angeles Angels catcher Bengie Molina filed for free agency Thursday.
Analysis: Bengie, likely giving way to brother Jose or prospect Jeff Mathis in Anaheim, has been a steady Fantasy producer recently. He is coming off a career year in which he hit 15 homers and 69 RBI.
News: Jeff Mathis singled off Keiichi Yabu in the eighth for his first major-league hit.
Analysis: Mathis is one of the best catching prospects in baseball. Track the Angels' decision on free agent Bengie Molina in the offseason because Mathis could become a huge rookie sleeper in 2006 Fantasy leagues. He has pop in his bat. The only question is whether he will get the opportunity to play regularly.
News: One night after clinching their second straight AL West title, the Angels held six regulars out of the starting lineup: Vladimir Guerrero, Garret Anderson, Chone Figgins, Adam Kennedy, Bengie Molina and Darin Erstad. Manager Mike Scioscia said he will give all his regulars a break, even though the Angels still have a shot at home-field advantage in the first round. "What's important is how you're playing, not who you're playing or where you're playing," he said. "It would be great to have home-field advantage, no doubt about it. But not at the cost of putting some of these guys at serious risk of missing the playoffs."
Analysis: Vlad, Figgins and possibly Anderson and Molina are too valuable to sit throughout the next few days, despite the possibility they might see limited at-bats. Consider other options though in place of Erstad and Kennedy in daily leagues.
News: For the second consecutive year, C Bengie Molina is having problems with the press. He is boycotting the print media again after one local columnist recently opined that the Angels couldn't win the AL West with Molina as their No. 5 hitter. Last year, Molina refused interviews for the first four months of the season after another columnist -- at the same paper -- wrote during spring training Molina's numerous leg injuries were a byproduct of his chronic weight problem.
Analysis: Molina is a free agent to be, which could be the reason for his career year thus far. Consider him a solid Fantasy catcher in any format right now. He has hit three of his 11 homers in his past seven games.
News: Bengie Molina (flu) was able to return to the starting lineup for Sunday's game at Kansas City. He was 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Molina back into the active Fantasy lineup in all AL-only leagues.
News: Bengie Molina is completing recovery from the flu and should be available on Friday.
Analysis: Molina is safe to start in all leagues once again. He is worth using as a No. 2 catcher in mixed leagues.
News: Bengie Molina (flu) is out of the starting lineup for the third straight game at Texas on Wednesday.
Analysis: Molina remains day to day. Josh Paul got the start behind the dish in his absence.
News: Bengie Molina (flu-like symptoms) was held out of the starting lineup for the second straight night on Tuesday at Texas.
Analysis: Molina remains day to day. His brother Jose got another start behind the dish in his absence and will likely continue to do so until Bengie is well.
News: Molina was scratched before Monday's game at Texas due to flu-like symptoms. Manager Mike Scioscia said he was dehydrated, so he sent B-Mo back to the team hotel.
Analysis: Molina is considered day to day. His brother Jose got the start in his absence. Keep him reserved in daily AL-only leagues if you have healthier alternatives.
News: Bengie Molina (quadriceps) is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the White Sox.
Analysis: Molina is behind the plate and batting in the sixth spot of manager Mike Scioscia's batting order. It appears safe to get him back into the active Fantasy lineup in daily leagues.
News: C Bengie Molina sat out his second game because of tightness in his right quadriceps, but manager Mike Scioscia expects him to play Monday night against the Chicago White Sox. Molina was on the DL from April 18-May 12 because of a strained right quad.
Analysis: Molina is considered day to day, but consider reserving him if you have healthier options.
News: Bengie Molina was held out of the lineup for the second consecutive game on Sunday at L.A. Dodgers due to tightness in his right quadriceps.
Analysis: Molina is considered day to day. He is expected to return to the starting lineup for Monday's game against the White Sox, but consider reserving him if you have healthier options.
News: The Angels activated Bengie Molina (strained right thigh) from the 15-day disabled list Friday.
Analysis: The Angels plan on keeping three catchers -- Bengie and Jose Molina, along with Josh Bard. Bengie will get the majority of at-bats.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Bengie Molina, sidelined since April 18 because of a strained right thigh, ran the bases "close to 100%" Monday and could come off the DL as early as Wednesday. The catcher probably will be activated Friday at Detroit.
Analysis: Before Monday night's game, Angel pitchers had a 2.86 earned-run average in 154 innings with Jose Molina behind the plate. The team has a 4.56 ERA in 79 innings with Bengie Molina catching and a 4.30 ERA in 46 innings with Josh Paul catching. That kind of production could give Jose some more starts.
News: Manager Mike Scioscia hopes to get C Bengie Molina back early next week. Molina was placed on the DL April 18 with a strained right quadriceps, but has been running and doing drills this week. "This weekend would be a little aggressive," Scioscia said. "Best case would be early next week."
Analysis: Molina is worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy catcher in most leagues when healthy.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Bengie Molina went through a rigorous shuttle drill Monday and today will run the bases for the first time since suffering a strained right quadriceps muscle.
Analysis: Molina is eligible for activation from the DL today, but he doesn't figure to be activated before Saturday. His brother, Jose Molina, will continue starting in his place.
News: C Bengie Molina tested his strained right quadriceps in the bullpen Saturday, and manager Mike Scioscia said he hopes to have Molina back in the lineup early in the Angels' next homestand May 6-11 against Detroit and Cleveland. Molina has been on the DL since April 18.
Analysis: Molina should be considered out for Fantasy Week 5. He should be good to go for AL-only lineups by Week 6, though.
News: Angels catcher Bengie Molina has starting running and will likely be ready to return to action some time next week. He's scheduled to come off the disabled list May 3.
Analysis: We recommend holding off starting Molina in Week 5 since he's eligible to come off the DL in the middle of the week.
News: The L.A. Daily News reports that Molina (right quadriceps) played catch Friday for the first time since incurring the injury Sunday.
Analysis: Molina probably won't be able to play when he is eligible to come off the DL according to manager Mike Scioscia. Jose Molina continues to start in his place.
News: The Angels placed Molina (strained right quadriceps) on the 15-day disabled list on Monday.
Analysis: The team recalled Dallas McPherson from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his spot on the active roster. Jose Molina will see a majority of the starts at catcher with Josh Paul also seeing time behind the plate.
News: Molina strained his right quadriceps in Sunday's game at Oakland and was forced to leave in the fifth inning.
Analysis: Molina is considered day to day. Josh Paul replaced him, but if he missed any time, Jose Molina would see a majority of the at-bats in his absence.
News: Molina went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI on Wednesday against the Rangers. He's hitting .308 on the young season now.
Analysis: Molina quietly has eight RBI so far. If he can stay healthy, he's a fine No. 1 Fantasy catcher option.
News: Molina was 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's game against the Rangers.
Analysis: It is surprising Molina had any energy after blocking several balls in the dirt from starter Jon Lackey and reliever Scot Shields. The Angels were charged with five wild pitches, too. Molina has hit safely in all three games this season.
News: Molina (calf, side) was able to play in Tuesday's spring game against Arizona. He was hitless in two at-bats.
Analysis: Molina has been hampered by injuries all throughout spring. He has mustered a poor .100 batting average, but remains a decent selection as a No. 2 catcher in AL-only leagues.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Bengie Molina, who's catching but not hitting while recovering from a strain on his left side, has resumed taking batting practice and is expected to hit in a game in several days.
Analysis: Molina is a solid No. 2 Fantasy catcher in mixed leagues when healthy. If he is unable to go on opening day, his brother Jose Molina will likely replace him.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports the tight left calf that was supposed to sideline Bengie Molina for a few days has turned into a perplexing injury that will probably knock him out for at least two weeks. I didn't think I would be out this long, but hey, you never know," said Molina.
Analysis: Molina hasn't played in a game since March 5, and though he has been able to participate in some drills, he hasn't been able to run at full speed. He is not expected to return to exhibition play until later this week. Molina lost 25 pounds this offseason, and appears to be in great physical condition. Once he regains his health, he should make a fine No. 2 Fantasy catcher.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Bengie Molina was scratched in Monday's game against the Padres because of tightness in his left calf that he said resulted from overexerting himself in agility drills. "At this point I don't care how long it takes," Molina said of his recovery. "It's about being ready for opening day. Hopefully, it's less than five days. If it's not, it's not."
Analysis: Bengie's back-up, his brother Jose Molina, remained sidelined by a strained left side muscle and is expected to sit out a few more days as a precaution as well.
News: Molina was scratched from Monday's spring game against the Padres due to stiffness in his calf.
Analysis: The brittle Molina is helpful to AL-only Fantasy teams when he is healthy, but be prepared for the backstop to sit out from time to time with nagging injuries.
News: Anaheim exercised their option on Bengie Molina on Monday.
Analysis: Molina is a two-time Gold Glove winner and a career .269 hitter. He is a solid No. 2 catcher in all mixed leagues.
News: Molina went 4-for-4 with a home runs and three RBI Sunday against the Yankees. He went 0-for-5 on Saturday in his first game since July.
Analysis: Bengie Molina is a solid No. 1 Fantasy catcher.
News: The Angels activated Molina (finger) from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.
Analysis: Molina has been too injury-prone to rely on in any Fantasy format.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Molina (finger) played catch Sunday.
Analysis: Molina should be activated Wednesday or Thursday, but Fantasy owners should reserve him a couple more games to make sure he is 100 percent.
News: The Angels placed Molina (finger) on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.
Analysis: X-rays revealed a broken tip of the right index finger. Jose Molina will start in his absence with Josh Paul serving as backup.
News: Molina (hand) was unable to start over the weekend against the Mariners.
Analysis: Molina remains day to day. His brother Jose started in his absence.
News: Molina was forced to leave Saturday's game against Seattle after suffering an apparent hand injury.
Analysis: Josh Paul replaced him behind the plate. Molina is listed as day to day.
News: Molina went 3-for-5 with a run Saturday against Seattle. It was his 17th multi-hit game this year.
Analysis: Molina is batting .295 (18-for-61) in July. He has eight runs and 11 RBI this month and remains a solid starting catcher in all Fantasy formats.
News: Molina went 2-for-4 with a grand slam on Saturday against the Blue Jays. He scored a pair of runs in the victory. It was his second career grand slam.
Analysis: Molina is batting .345 (10-for-29) in July. He is a solid starting Fantasy catcher in all leagues when healthy.
News: Molina (calf) was hitless in three at-bats in Saturday's game at Houston.
Analysis: Molina is too brittle to be relied on in most AL-only leagues.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Molina (strained left calf) caught a bullpen session and did some running Thursday.
Analysis: Expect Molina back in action Saturday against Houston. Keep him reserved until he proves he no longer has lingering effects from the injury.
News: The Angels placed Molina on the 15-day disabled list on Monday due to a left calf strain. The move is retroactive to June 4.
Analysis: Jose Molina and Josh Paul will continue to see time behind the plate until Bengie Molina is healthy enough to return.
News: Molina (calf) missed Saturday and Sunday's games against the Cubs.
Analysis: Jose Molina continues to start in his absence. Molina might be back this week when the club heads to Pittsburgh, but keep him reserved.
News: Molina (calf) was out of the lineup against the Cubs Friday.
Analysis: Bengie's brother, Jose, started in his place. He is considered day to day.
News: Molina (calf) missed his sixth consecutive game on Thursday against Milwaukee.
Analysis: Molina remains day to day. His brother Jose got another start in his place.
News: Bengie Molina (calf) missed his fifth consecutive game on Wednesday against Milwaukee.
Analysis: Molina remains day to day. Josh Paul filled in behind the plate in his absence.
News: Molina (calf) missed his fourth straight game on Tuesday against Milwaukee.
Analysis: While Molina is expected to miss the 15-day disabled list, it is unclear when he will be back in the starting lineup. He remains day to day.
News: The Los Angeles Times says it does not appear Molina (calf) will be put on the DL.
Analysis: Molina could return for a series against Milwaukee that begins on Tuesday.
News: Molina (calf) was unable to start on Saturday or Sunday and he might be headed to the 15-day disabled list due to his injury.
Analysis: Jose Molina started in his absence. Keep Bengie Molina reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Benji Molina strained his left calf during a pregame drill and was scratched from the lineup on Friday.
Analysis: Brother Jose Molina started in his place. Bengie is day to day.
News: Molina (groin) was back in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Yankees.
Analysis: It appears safe to get him back in the active Fantasy lineup in AL-only leagues.
News: Molina (groin) was unable to play in Wednesday's game against the Yankees.
Analysis: Molina remains day to day. His brother Jose got another start in his absence.
News: Molina (groin) did not play in Tuesday's game against N.Y. Yankees.
Analysis: Molina remains day to day. His brother Jose got the start in his absence.
News: Molina left Sunday's game in the third inning at Baltimore due to a sore groin.
Analysis: Molina is considered day to day. His brother Jose will start if he is unable to go Tuesday against the Yankees.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Molina (hamstring) will likely play every other day through the weekend series against Oakland.
Analysis: Jose Molina will start when Bengie rests.
News: Molina (hamstring) was able to play in Tuesday's game against the Mariners. He finished 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
Analysis: Molina might split time with his brother Jose. Keep him reserved until he is able to play consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Molina (hamstring) took batting practice and ran the bases aggressively Monday. If he recovers from the workout sufficiently, he will start Tuesday's game at Texas according to manager Mike Scioscia.
Analysis: Molina would give way to Jose Molina if he can't go.
News: Molina (hamstring) missed another game on Monday, but he was able to run in the outfield before the game.
Analysis: Molina is still considered day to day. He might play on Tuesday against Seattle, but keep him reserved in daily leagues until he is able to officially play consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: Molina (hamstring) ran in the outfield on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Molina will try to run the bases aggressively on Monday, and might play on Tuesday.
News: Molina (hamstring was unable to play on Sunday. He was expected to run the bases on Saturday and start on Sunday, but the running was delayed until Sunday due to wet field conditions.
Analysis: Manager Mike Scioscia said Molina might start Monday's game. Jose Molina started both weekend games at Texas.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Molina (hamstring) will attempt to run the bases before Saturday's game.
Analysis: Barring any setbacks, Molina might be tabbed as the starting catcher for Sunday's game. Keep him reserved until he can officially return and keep in mind that when he does, he might see decreased at-bats due to the emergence of brother Jose Molina.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Molina (hamstring) could lose time to brother Jose Molina because he is hitting so well in his absence. "I'm here to play every day," said Bengie. "I don't care how good Jose is feeling. If they don't think I can play every day, that's a decision they have to make."
Analysis: Sibling rivalry at its finest. Bengie Molina is set to return this weekend at Texas.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Molina (hamstring) is available to catch in case of an emergency for the series against Seattle.
Analysis: Molina is replaced by Jose Molina as the Angels' starting catcher.
News: The Orange County Register reports that Molina (hamstrings) is not only doubtful for Tuesday's opener at Seattle, but he might be unable to play the entire series. "It's doubtful he'll start [Tuesday]," he said. "Hopefully, he'll be in there shortly thereafter."
Analysis: Jose Molina will replace his brother Bengie behind the plate.
News: Molina (hamstring) is doubtful for the season opener, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Jose Molina might be Anaheim's opening day starter at catcher.
News: Molina (hamstring) went 2-for-4 against Los Angeles Friday in a spring training game.
Analysis: Molina is useful again as a No. 2 catcher in all leagues.
News: Molina left Wednesday's spring game in the third inning due to a slightly strained left hamstring.
Analysis: Molina is considered day to day. If the injury causes him to miss the team's regular season opener, either Jose Molina or Josh Paul would get the nod.
News: Molina (sore hamstrings) was in the starting lineup on Sunday. He was 0-for-1 before departing.
Analysis: Molina had been sidelined for the past two weeks while resting.
News: Molina (soreness in his lower body) has resumed catching drills and is expected to return to the lineup in a couple of days, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Molina still has plenty of time to get in full shape for the start of the season. Don't downgrade him on your draft sheets.
News: The Los Angeles Times says the Angels are delaying Molina's return to action as they monitor his problematic hamstrings.
Analysis: Molina is not expected to play for about another week.
News: Angels manager Mike Scioscia told the Los Angeles Times that Molina (soreness in lower body) was feeling better on Tuesday and should play his first spring game in the next couple of days.
Analysis: Molina should be ready to serve as the Angels' starting catcher on opening day. He remains a quality AL-only or No. 2 starter.
News: Molina told the Los Angeles Times that he missed his third straight game on Monday because "My whole body is sore." However, he said his left wrist is fine and he should return to the lineup by Wednesday.
Analysis: Molina is expected to serve as the Angels' starting catcher this year and is a solid Fantasy option in AL-only formats. But it won't be long before Jeff Mathis overtakes him for the job late this season or next.
News: Molina was scratched from Saturday's exhibition game due to general stiffness, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: The Angels are taking it easy with Molina, as he continues to recover from wrist surgery.
News: Molina, who suffered two broken bones above his left wrist in a Sept. 3 collision in Minnesota, had the cast removed three weeks ago, according to the Orange County Register. He has begun a rehabilitation program that should have him fully ready for spring training. "The strength and movement is coming back slowly," Molina said. "That's the toughest thing, getting the full movement back. They told me when it (the cast) came off, it would still hurt for another month and a half. We'll see."
Analysis: Molina might be entering his final season in Anaheim, as top prospect Jeff Mathis should be ready to take over in 2005. Molina has an option for that year that might be declined. Perhaps the prospect of playing out the final year of his Angels career will inspire him to perform at a higher level. He's currently an average Fantasy catcher.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that Molina underwent surgery Thursday to repair his broken left wrist. He will wear a cast for six to eight weeks.
Analysis: Molina is expected to be fully healthy in time for spring training.
News: Molina broke two bones above his left wrist in Wednesday's game. He is out for the remainder of the season.
Analysis: Jose Molina will step into the active lineup in place of Bengie Molina. Consider adding Jose Molina for the remainder of the season in AL-only leagues. Tom Gregorio might also see at-bats.
News: Molina (hand) returned to the starting lineup on Sunday at Cleveland. He was 0-for-4.
Analysis: Despite Sunday's tough day at the plate, it is safe to get Molina back in the active lineup in AL-only leagues.
News: Molina left Thursday's game in the third inning due to an injury to his right hand.
Analysis: Molina is considered day to day. Jose Molina replaced him behind the plate and would start if he is forced to miss additional time due to the injury.
News: Molina (flu) returned to the starting lineup on Sunday. He was 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
Analysis: It is safe to get Molina back into the active lineup.
News: Molina was 3-for-4 with a run scored, two doubles and four RBI on Wednesday.
Analysis: Despite the performance, Molina is not a top-tier Fantasy catcher in AL-only leagues.
News: Molina, sidelined since July 17 because of a strained left hamstring, was activated from the 15-day DL and INF Jose Nieves was designated for assignment. Molina will start for the Angels and should be useful in AL-only leagues.
Analysis:
News: Molina will likely be activated from the 15-day DL on Thursday. He's been out since July 17 with a strained left hamstring, and made a successful rehabilitation start Tuesday night at Class A Rancho Cucamonga.
Analysis:
News: Molina continues to make progress in his reciovery from a hamstring injury. He caught six innings in a rehabilitation assignment at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga Tuesday. Molina went 1-for-2 with a walk and threw one runner out at second attempting to steal. The Los Angeles Daily News reports that he might be activated this weekend.
Analysis:
News: Molina, on the 15-day disabled list since July 17 with a strained left hamstring, will start in a rehabilitation assignment Tuesday at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. He's eligible to come off the DL on Thursday.
Analysis:
News: Molina is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation for a strained hamstring. The L.A. Times reports that he will probably be activated from the disabled list when he is eligible on August 1.
Analysis:
News: The L.A. Times reports that Molina's hamstring injury is as severe as the one that sidelined him for seven weeks last season. However, he believes he can return in four weeks. Jose Molina and Jorge Fabregas will continue to split the catcher duties, along with possible help from Shawn Wooten.
Analysis:
News: Molina went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. His younger brother Jose was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake Wednesday to replace Bengie. Jorge Fabregas and Jose Molina will split the catching duties.
Analysis:
News: Molina felt a twinge in his left hamstring Tuesday while hitting a ninth-inning RBI single. Molina strained the same hamstring on Friday and the injury kept him out of the starting lineup until Tuesday. The Orange County Register reports that he might not play Wednesday. Shawn Wooten might start at catcher if Molina is unable to play.
Analysis:
News: Molina missed his second consecutive game on Sunday. According to the L.A. Times, Molina is suffering from a slightly pulled left hamstring. Jorge Fabregas will continue to start in Molina's absence.
Analysis:
News: Molina was activated from the disabled list on Wednesday after missing 45 games with a strained right hamstring. In his second full season with the Angels, Molina is hitting .273 with no homers and 12 RBI in 26 games. He was 2-for-3 on Wednesday. To make room for Molina on the roster, the Angels optioned catcher Jamie Burke to Class AAA Salt Lake of the Pacific Coast League. Consider adding Molina to your roster if you need a catcher in an AL-only league.
Analysis:
News: Molina will move from Triple-A Salt Lake to Class A Rancho Cucamonga, about a half-hour drive from Anaheim, to continue his rehab. He has been sidelined for most of the month with a strained right hamstring. Molina will play minor league games on Tuesday and Wednesday, and might be activated June 28, if all goes well.
Analysis:
News: Molina, who is on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, could return to action on Monday, according to the Los Angeles Times. He is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake, and will catch two games over the weekend before being activated. Let Molina get a few games under his belt with the Angels before you get him back into your lineup.
Analysis:
News: Molina is playing in the minor leagues as he continues his rehab for a hamstring injury. He told the Los Angeles Times he feels good and might return to the Angels by the weekend.
Analysis:
News: Molina's return from a hamstring injury will be delayed for about a week. He began a rehab assignment on Saturday and was scheduled to be activated from the disabled list on June 15, but has returned to his native Puerto Rico because of a death in his family. Molina hasn't played since June 9 and won't resume his rehab assignment until June 16.
Analysis:
News: Molina has begun a minor league rehabilitation assignment at Class A Rancho Cucamonga. He is expected to be activated from the disabled list on June 15. Molina has been sidelined for over a month now because of a strained hamstring.
Analysis:
News: Molina, out since May 4 with a strained right hamstring muscle, is expected to go on a medical rehabilitation assignment by the weekend. He should be back in the lineup no later than June 17.
Analysis:
News: Angels manager Mike Scioscia told the L.A. Times that Molina could begin his minor league rehabilitation assignment this week or early next week. Molina had a good workout Tuesday and reported no problems with his strained hamstring, an injury that has sidelined him since early May.
Analysis:
News: Molina may begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment next week, according to the Los Angeles Times. He will try to run full speed this weekend and will be cleared for his assignment if his injured hamstring holds up to the strain of running. Molina has been sidelined since May 5 but has been taking batting practice and running at half-speed.
Analysis:
News: Molina could begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment next week, according to the L.A. Times. He has been sidelined for most of May because of a hamstring injury.
Analysis:
News: Manager Mike Scioscia told the L.A. Times that Molina is at least another two weeks away from returning from his strained hamstring. He has been sidelined for most of May, his brother Jose has started at catcher in his absence.
Analysis:
News: Molina has begun jogging but the L.A. Times reports that he is still several weeks away from returning. His brother Jose will continue to catch in his absence.
Analysis:
News: Molina, who strained his right hamstring while running the bases a night earlier, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday. Jose Molina, Bengie's brother, was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to fill the roster spot. "This was obviously something he's not going to be able to shake in four or five days," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Although we're optimistic, we're also guarded because these things can linger. "Hamstring injuries are very tough to calculate how long a guy will be out. So you certainly want to get on top of it right away and get it healthy."
Analysis:
News: Molina sat out his second consecutive game Thursday to recover from an inflamed foot and some dental work. He is expected to return to action Friday for an exhibition game against the Diamondbacks.
Analysis:
News: Angels catcher Ben Molina pulled his left hamstring running to first base on Thursday night. He is likely gone for the remainder of the season.
Analysis:
News: Ben Molina, 25, was called up on Tuesday by Oakland when 12-year veteran catcher Charlie O'Brien was designated for assignment. He batted .286 with seven home runs and 41 RBIs in 65 games at Triple-A Edmonton.
Analysis:
