Jose Molina

Molina worked the 2013 season in a near-identical role to the previous season, sharing the catching duties with Jose Lobaton. As a superior defensive catcher and manager of pitching staffs, Molina had reason to be in the lineup frequently, playing in 99 games. He had a career-high 283 at-bats on the season, but it did not translate into better totals. He hit just .233/.290/.304 and had only two home runs and 18 RBI. He'll be 38 entering the 2014 season and does not have much fantasy value, but his most significant real-life contribution is on defense and helping out the pitchers.

Molina has been a career backup catcher, but in 2012 found himself as the starter for the Rays in his 13th season. He was not the full-time starter, as he split time with Jose Lobaton and others. Molina is not known for his bat as he hit .223/.286/.355 with a career-high eight home runs and 32 RBI over 102 games. The Rays made it clear they valued Molina's defensive prowess and handling of pitching staffs. It really paid off as the Rays had the top pitching staff in the majors with a league-leading 3.19 team ERA. He'll have little fantasy value in offensive categories, but his strong defense and game management will keep him in the lineup with frequency in 2013.

Molina was a serviceable backup for the Jays but the team decided to look elsewhere for J.P. Arencibia's backup so Molina inked a one-year deal with the Rays. His glovework and ability to handle a pitching staff is what is keeping him in the majors as evidenced by his career .241/.286/.344 batting line. He doesn't offer enough power upside and his batting average figures to hurt you so it's hard to justify even a $1 bid on draft day.

Molina is back for another season as the Jays' backup catcher, this time caddying for rookie J.P. Arencibia. Molina might get a few more at-bats than he would normally given Arencibia's inexperience and the age of the Jays' pitching staff. But he's 35 years old and has been badly exposed whenever asked to do more than start once or twice a week, so there's no upside to be had here.

Molina is solid defensively, but he’s never been a threat with the bat in his hands and last year’s .217/.292/.268 line was nothing out of the ordinary. The Yankees may bring him back simply because of his rapport with pitcher A.J. Burnett and general game-calling skills, but you won’t need to have his name anywhere near your cheatsheet, regardless of league size.

An injury to Jorge Posada opened up the door for extra time behind the plate for Molina last season. As his .216/.263/.313 line and three homers suggest, he's much better suited for a backup role and simply being a good defensive catcher. All signs point to Posada being ready in time for Opening Day in April, so expect to see Molina's playing time get scaled back in 2009, and be sure to avoid his empty at-bats if you're in a deep two-catcher league.

Molina was brought back on a two-year deal this winter after arriving in a midseason trade from the Angels. With Jorge Posada in front of him, Molina is unlikely to see more than 35-40 games behind the plate unless Posada suffers an injury, but he's around to handle the pitching staff when Posada needs a day off, not to pose a threat with his bat.

Backup catcher despite some uncertainty at the position. He might be a $1 catcher in an AL league. Might.

Molina is clearly in a position to earn more playing time in 2006, but how much more is the question. The Angels hope that Jeff Mathis can claim more than his fair share of at-bats. Molina is a consistent backup catcher, but he is just that - a backup catcher. He should only be owned in the deepest of AL-only leagues.

Molina might have been a decent permanent replacement for his brother Bengie, but with the depth chart here firmly established, he'll remain in a backup role. Not projectable for more than 200 AB, he's a useful pinch hitter/reserve catcher and will likely remain that way for the duration of his career.

Jose is the younger brother of Ben Molina and will be his backup in 2004. He could start 40-50 games, but has no fantasy potential and only limited worth if Ben goes down.

Jose is the younger brother of Ben Molina and will be his backup in 2003. Could start 40-50 games, but has no fantasy potential and only limited worth if Ben goes down.