Current Contract:
40-man Roster.

Became a Cardinal:
Selected in the fourth round of the June, 2000 First-Year Player Draft. Received a $325,000 signing bonus.

2006 Season:
Molina struggled at the plate during the regular season, hitting just .216 with six home runs in 129 games. However, many believe that Molina should have won the National League Gold Glove Award over Brad Ausmus. He caught 41% of would-be-base stealers, and picked off seven runners.

Despite his regular season struggles, Molina was one of the Cardinals best hitters in the post-season. In 16 games, he hit .358/.424/.547 with two home runs and eight RBI, including a dramatic game-winning home run in the top of the ninth inning in game seven of the NLCS.

Career Notes:
Molina was called up to the Majors for the first time on June 3, 2004, to replace injured catcher Mike Matheny. He threw out 50% of would-be-base stealers in 51 games and hit .267 that season. In 2005, he absolutely shut down the opponent's running game, throwing out 17 of 31 (55%) runners attemting to steal. He allowed the fewest stolen bases (14) among Major League catchers, with Joe Mauer next with 31 allowed. He finished that season hitting .252 with eight home runs and 49 RBI.

MISC:
Molina's two older brothers, Bengie and José, are also major league catchers, Bengie with the San Francisco Giants, and José with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Photo: MLB Photos