Bengie Molina dealt to Rangers

Invader3K · July 1, 2010

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/06/rangers-giants-discussing-bengie-molina-trade.html

Seems like kind of an odd trade, as Molina isn't having a spectacular season. He's still an upgrade over their current staff (they also have Saltalamacchia still wallowng in AAA). The Rangers also get cash with Molina, in exchange for Chris Ray and a PTBNL.

paul253 · July 1, 2010

Perhaps Texas is looking for offense?

RobertR · July 1, 2010

Texas catchers are hitting .209/.307/.324 for the season. So, it's no wonder they're looking elsewhere as that's a position that could use an upgrade. Probably CF as well, but at least Julio Borbon is young and good defensively. (Although asking them if they're interested in Jim Edmonds at the deadline might be a good idea.) When the division may very well come down to a game or two, an incremental upgrade can make a difference.

I'm not sure that Molina is that big an upgrade, although going from SF to Texas should help his numbers. I'd probably expect about an 80 OPS+ out of him the rest of the season, a little heavier on SLG and light on OBP.

Robert

JohnBriggs12 · July 1, 2010

While Zaun's injury led to Brewers discovering what they had in Lucroy sooner, it's unfortunate because he may have had some market value. Chris Ray looked awfully good against the Brewers. Now they may have to face him again.

Boisebrewer · July 1, 2010

I believe San Fran also did the deal to get Posey more playing time.

mls4 · July 1, 2010

The Giants would seem to have the better end of the deal. I realize that Texas is looking at short-term value, but it seems like Ray has more value than Molina. The Giants cleared a spot for their young catcher while you'd think that with Saltalamacchia, Teagarden, and Ramirez, Texas eventually needs to find out if any can contribute- although Treanor was starting, so I guess in a way that's been decided, and Molina's definately an upgrade over Treanor.

TooLiveBrew · July 1, 2010

Good points on the Rangers, mls4. Seems like they blocked young players that they need to discover whether or not are viable long-term options with this move. I wouldn't be happy if I were a Rangers fan.