Jose

Molina

It was a team decision not to bring Molina back, in what is expected to be the first of several changes in the coaching staff.

Jose Molina has caught Bartolo Colon, tonight’s starter, exclusively since July. McPherson will start over Alfredo Amezaga, with Chone Figgins sliding over to second base.

With Mike Napoli in a month-long slump, Molina is picking up more at-bats again. He’s hitting .258/.307/.394 as a result of his current seven-game hitting streak. Still, the Angels would be better off if Napoli heated back up.

Mike Napoli is going to have a hard time getting back in the lineup as long as Molina continues to hit.

It was a fairly critical at-bat, as there were runners on second and third with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning. Molina looked at the third strike, but the Blue Jays won it the following inning. The veteran catcher missed Sunday’s contest with a forearm injury.

We’d feel better about the Rays if they had brought in someone to start over or at least complement Molina behind the dish. Last year’s solid offensive season was likely a fluke. He may be one of the game’s most underrated defenders, but given that he’s never been a starting catcher in the majors, the Rays are taking a big risk by relying on him.

Lobaton left Thursday’s game with a sore shoulder after feeling something in his arm while throwing during the fifth inning. It’s not clear how long he’ll be sidelined, but the Rays may have to make a move for another catcher soon. Stephen Vogt could be used as a backup to Jose Molina, but the Rays believe he needs more work behind the plate.

Lobaton was placed on the disabled list last weekend with right shoulder soreness. He underwent an MRI on Monday which revealed only inflammation. Chris Gimenez will continue to serve as Jose Molina’s backup for now.

The contract, which is expected to be finalized within the next couple of days, will also an include an option for 2013. Molina, 36, posted a decent .281/.342/.415 batting line in 55 games this past year for Toronto and could see an increase in playing time down in Tampa Bay. John Jaso, Jose Lobaton, Robinson Chirinos, and Nevin Ashley are the Rays’ other options at catcher for 2012.

The deal was done last week, but an official announcement was held off until after Thanksgiving weekend. Molina, 36, batted .281/.342/.415 in 55 games this past year for the Blue Jays while playing his usual brand of top-notch defense. He’ll be fairly active for Tampa Bay in 2012.