Yadier Molina is no longer exactly a spring chicken. But that does not mean that the 38-year-old catcher cannot demonstrate how good he is still behind the plate.
With unescorted guest, Jose Siri, running to Houston at first base, Molina tried to catch him and almost arrested the newcomer. That’s when Siri committed a cardinal sin: he wagged his finger as if to say, “No, I don’t understand.”
Insert Michael Jordan’s “And I took this personally” gif here.
Molina saw the gesture and pointed to second base, challenging Siri to take off and try to hit one of the bases against one of the greatest defensive catchers in baseball history. Two shots later, Siri obeyed, and what followed was not just a steal caught, but one in which the runner was out for about 3 meters.
Yadi must have got a good shot to throw, you must be thinking. In fact, it was a low change. Maybe you’re wondering if Siri stumbled. No. It was purely Yadier Molina doing things Yadier Molina as if he was 28 instead of 38.
Moral of the story: run at Yadi at your own risk, especially if you just provoked your anger.