Imagine Jorge Posada back with the team. Now, imagine Jorge Posada making an off balance throw to second base during an actual game, a throw which ultimately forces him back to the DL and out for the season (likely receiving surgery for his ailing shoulder/arm). What would the Yankees do in this situation?
Yes, Jose Molina and Chad Moeller are nice people and can hit, occasionally, but, if the Yankees want to optimize their lineup and receive some legitimate offensive production from each guy slotted to play on a given day, do you think they would consider a trade scenario or two? Jose Molina and Chad Moeller, again, are solid players in terms of their defense, but their offensive numbers won’t be pretty at the end of the year. What then, should the Yankees do, especially if they’re trying to upgrade via trade? I suggest the following…
Why not trade for Bengie Molina? Yes, he’s Jose’s brother which makes things slightly awkward, but at the same time, he’s hitting well for the SF Giants and his production is legitimate (it’s not some NL creation or an aberration). In fact, he’s actually batting cleanup for the Giants, which doesn’t mean much about Bengie’s offensive production and instead outlines the rather weak nature of the SF lineup. However, Molina is solid offensively and is signed for next year as well but it’s only for $6 million dollars. The Yankees can move him in the offseason once Jorge is up and running or, if Posada is done at catcher, they can move him to 1B while keeping Bengie Molina. The Giants will probably give up Molina without much of a fight, especially with their team being as bad as it currently is (Zito won tonight, and is now 1-8). He’s not a defensive wizard but he’s decent enough to hold his own behind the plate (his offense makes up for his shortcomings).
What do you think about this “contingency” plan?
