Angels trade Molina to Yankees
The Angels cleared a catcher off their roster after Saturday's game but it was not the one that was expected.
Instead of sending Jeff Mathis back to Triple-A Salt Lake to make room for pitcher Joe Saunders, the Angels traded veteran Jose Molina to the New York Yankees for Double-A reliever Jeff Kennard.
The move leaves one of the best pitching staffs in baseball to be guided by a 25-year old in Mike Napoli and a 24-year old in Mathis.
The Angels are now without a Molina for the first time since Bengie Molina caught two games in the 1998 season.
Jose Molina batted .224 with the Angels this season after going 0-for-2 on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. He lined out to third base in the fifth inning during his last at-bat as an Angel and was replaced by pinch hitter Kendry Morales in the eighth inning.
Hey Doug:
Why would Stoneman trade one of the top defensive catchers in the Major Leagues for a Double A pitching prospect? Couldn't he have gotten more for Molina? It seems like a risky move for a GM who is known NOT to take many risks. Is there something more than meets the eye here?
Also, what are the odds the Angels will add an impact hitter (bring back Troy Glaus!) before the trading deadline? Stoneman needs to add some sock, or talk a walk.