DeMarco: Yadier Molina is Cardinals' secret weapon

Catcher's prowess on defense, game-calling takes pressure off pitchers

Jeff Haynes / Reuters

How important is Yadier Molina to the Cardinals pitchers? "He's phenomenal," says St. Louis ace Chris Carpenter.

By Tony DeMarco

NBCSports.com contributor

updated 6:22 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2011

Tony DeMarco

Yadier Molina is mentioned as one the game's best defensive catchers ? often atop the list. And he's always tied to catching brothers Bengie and Jose, as they are the only trio of brothers to each win a World Series ring.

But Molina and NFL offensive tackle Michael Oher? Let Chris Carpenter make the connection:

"I read a book called 'The Blind Side', and they talk about the left tackle covering the quarterback's blind side,'' Carpenter said after Game 1. "And if it wasn't for the left tackle, the quarterback wouldn't have the time to get that pass off ? to make the quarterback a star, or that wide receiver a star.

"That's what Yadi is. He's secretly behind the scenes. He just makes it that much easier. He makes me be able to go out there and do things that I do with zero concern, knowing that he is on the same page, doing the same things I do: Studying hitters, studying our game plan, knowing hitters, paying attention to what each at-bat is all about. He's phenomenal.''

And if you didn't already know about Molina's ability to slow down a running game, a key example came in the top of the first inning in Game 1. After drawing a leadoff walk, Ian Kinsler went on a failed hit-and-run attempt, and Molina gunned him down at second, snuffing out a potential Rangers' scoring threat.

"He's a weapon,'' Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said about Molina.

? 2011 NBC Sports.com? Reprints

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Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44981920/ns/sports-baseball/

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