Bay Area Baseball

Bengie had some good times in San Francisco, but the time for him to go is now

With Yankees’ catcher Jorge Posada done for the season, this week is the time for Giants General Manager Brian Sabean to make a big move and unload Bengie Molina. While Molina has been a solid producer for the team, the Giants aren’t going to the playoffs this year, and likely are still going to be in rebuilding mode next year. Bengie is the type of player who’s value is at its highest right now. As an aging catcher, a career hitting season like he is having this year is something that the Yankees could really use with a tough stretch run against the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox. The next couple of years are likely to see the downside of Bengie’s career, and he won’t be around for the Giants resurgence in a couple of seasons.

The Giants would do well to move Bengie now, at his highest value, ideally for a hitting prospect like an Austin Jackson. They could even add in reliever Jack Taschner or SP Kevin Correia if the Yankees desire a replacement for Sidney Ponson, who got shelled by Boston in his last start. This move would also work out well for Bengie, who would start over his brother Jose, who is the Yankees’ current catcher. They could share scouting reports and Jose would likely make Bengie feel at home. It would also give Bengie a shot at some playoff baseball, likely a welcome thought to a player mired in San Francisco’s tough season.

 Molina has had some great moments as a Giant and has established himself as a fan favorite. Although there may be some initial resistance from the fan base, Giants fans are smart enough to know that building for the future is the right move. Hopefully Sabean and Giants management are equally wise.

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