St. Louis Cardinals: Yadier Molina will be an MVP finalist in 2018, no really

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina goes yard twice in one Spring training game. Is this a sign of things to come for he and the Redbirds in 2018?

After two disappointing seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals ( to say the least) it seems the St. Louis Cardinals are embracing their long-lost swagger of time’s past — with Yadier Molina leading that very charge. The 14-year MLB veteran went yard twice — barely missing a third — in a 4-4 day at the plate. Oh, and he also gunned down a would-be base stealer, showing off that cannon of an arm.

For those who think Molina’s best days behind him, think again. I’m calling it now, predicting that Yadi will be a finalist in the National League Most Valuable Player voting. Hey, a 16-seed just knocked off a one-seed in the NCAA tournament, so why not get bold in my predictions? And, is it really that crazy of a claim?

Don’t ask me, but St. Louis Cardinals third-base coach Jose Oquendo — in a recent interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 

"“He has plenty left. As he feels good physically and mentally, he can go another five years if he wants.”"

The acting manager of the day, Mike Shildt — no Mike Matheny haters, “Magic Mike” isn’t going anywhere — obliged in letting Molina stay in for the entirety of the Spring training game — a rarity this day and age.

"“He said he wanted the whole game. I didn’t have to argue with that.”"

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Did you even have a choice? Yadi does as he pleases, and generally, that’s displaying he’s the ultimate men among men on the baseball diamond. His performance reveals more than just a stellar day at the office, but that Molina still contains that child-like love for the game of baseball.

Molina enjoyed himself during the game, interacting with (former) teammate Sandy Alcantara. During the middle of the contest when Alcantara stepped into the dish, Molina told his old pal precisely what pitch was coming — a fastball.

Molina called for a changeup instead, fooling Alcantara, who swung out of his cleats for strike three. Priceless!

It’s hard to believe that Yadi is 35-years old, isn’t it? According to the perennial Gold and Platinum Glove award winner, he’s calling it quits after the 2020 season — so expect three years of going all in, in attempts at another World Series ring or two( possibly even three according to Molina).

Next: Molina deciding factor in acquiring Ozuna

Yadier is still the OG, and the St. Louis Cardinals are poised for a return to greatness in 2018. With the squad embracing a relaxed style, and Yadi leading the charge for an MVP campaign, the team is ready to shine once again.