The St. Louis Cardinals started and ended the 2018 MLB season on a down, but the year was not a complete failure. Moving forward, can the Cards make one last run during the aging Yadier Molina era before that window closes?
Yadier Molina plays with a competitive fire that draws hatred from opposing teams almost as grand as draws love from his hometown St. Louis Cardinals.
The native Puerto Rican, affectionately known by Yadi to fans, led his homeland’s team all the way to the finals of the 2017 WBC.
The WBC Tournament showcases Yadi’s love and respect for baseball combined for his loyalty and compassion for his people.
"“It means everything to me, everything,” Yadi explained to reporters during the WBC. “It would mean just as much, if not more [than a World Series Championship]. This is for our country. You get emotional when you play for your country.”"
The United States beat Puerto Rico in the finals of the 2017 WBC, and it is questionable whether Yadier Molina’s body will hold up by the time another tournament occurs in 2021.
It is questionable whether he will even have another chance at the World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals let alone a WBC title with Puerto Rico.
The Cards had a marginal 2018. Depending on the perspective, a fan could see it very positively or negatively.
The team endured several injuries, especially to the pitching staff. It also made some trades that could look bad in the future and fired its manager, Mike Matheny, half-way through the season.
Even Molina went on the DL for a considerable amount of time. Perhaps the next time Molina wins a title with the St. Louis Cardinals or his Puerto Rico team, he will be a manager and not a player. He did not appear to pick up his 2018 Roberto Clemente Award because he was managing Puerto Rico’s U-23 team.
Even though Molina got nominated for yet another Gold Glove in 2018, he only threw out 31 percent of base-stealers. His career average is 41 percent.
Yadier Molina has mentioned that he plans to retire at the end of his contract in 2020.
Only a very close look at the offense and pitching during the 2018 season can do a St. Louis Cardinals review any justice.