How Good Is Yadier Molina, Really? | Baseball Bits

TWEET ME: / foolishbb
PATREON ME: / foolishbaseball
MERCH ME: shop.jomboymedia.com/collecti...
_______________________________
Yadier Molina has long been the St. Louis Cardinals catcher. And in our enlightened sabermetric age, he has gained a bit of a reputation. The players, oldheads, and legacy media have never questioned Molina's greatness. They see him as one of the best catchers of all time. But some critical stat nerds are perplexed. They simply don't see it. His numbers beg the question: is Yadier Molina overrated?
In this episode of Baseball Bits, a Foolish Baseball production, we'll try to reach the truth. We'll talk about Yadier Molina Hall of Fame chances, the Yadier Molina Cardinals, Yadier Molina arm, Yadier Molina framing, and Yadier Molina defense.
We'll also draw comparisons to other catching greats, most notably Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench, and Jason Kendall? Really? Jason Kendall? Don't forget there will be love for his brother, Jose Molina. Bengie Molina is sadly missing from this one, but the Molina Brothers have certainly left behind a legacy. Yadi Molina really is the best of them all, but Jose's defense was special.
I hope this video leaves behind a legacy too.
_____________________________
Yadier Molina's Career in Four Graphs: blogs.fangraphs.com/instagrap...
Molina's BPro Page: www.baseballprospectus.com/pl...
Soundtrack from Maxo:
/ maxoelectronic
maxoisnuts.bandcamp.com/

[@andrewcroissant8453]

Since molina’s rookie season, the cardinals have allowed the fewest stolen bases in the MLB by 400. There is a bigger gap between 1st and 2nd than there is between 2nd and 25th.

[@DanLawo]

I love this. do you have a source. I know my friends.

[@smoceany9478]

@@DanLawo i would hope you know your friends

[@draven4883]

@@smoceany9478 😂😂😂

[@dc4690]

Yadi’s the Goat catcher.

[@xXJMatherXx]

@@DanLawo Watch the video. The stat is at the end and I'm glad you know your friends.

[@12packersfan]

You know Yadi is a brilliant catcher when Kolten Wong is so excited he stole on him that he literally took second base home with him

[@FoolishBaseball]

Wong has seen and caught many throws from Molina during his career. He knows how hard it is.

[@tsukikotsutsukakushi9339]

@@FoolishBaseball I'm fairly new to baseball and I remember watching your video on Jeff Mathis and pop time as a measurement for catchers. It really helped me appreciate how insanely good Yadi is!

[@namtrof01]

It's crazy that he has that pop time even at his age.

[@atfromstl237]

Yadi will be goated for life.. nobody can revoke his g card.

[@brendan594]

Remember, Kolten Wong caught a lot of Yadi’s throws

[@rustyshackleford7285]

In March 2005 Tony Larussa was asked about benching Yadi due to a hitting slump. Larussa said “Even if he goes hitless the rest of the season, he’s our catcher.” That’s how important Yadi is on defense.

[@risingtoneofthemojo]

Honestly still blows me away that all 3 brothers won World Series rings all while all playing the same position. Feel like there can't be too many families with multiple World Series winners

[@LuisMorales-bp3sx]

🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@Oracio13]

That chart of stolen bases allowed by teams legitimately blew my mind, that’s an insane drop off.

[@traviswrigg5158]

That chart is the face Yadier Molina made to Jose Siri, but in a numerical format

[@JohnSmith-nw8cu]

@@traviswrigg5158 lol

[@chrislukes9037]

I'd like to see what those numbers look like on a "per baserunner allowed" basis - obviously the graph shows a pretty striking pattern, but the number of stolen bases a team allows is also going to depend on how many players the other team gets on base. A team with a crummy catcher could still have a lower number of steals if they don't allow many walks and mostly give up Home Runs (or triples for that matter) when they do allow hits.

[@jared8538]

@@chrislukes9037 lol

[@chrislukes9037]

@@jared8538 Not sure why the laughs - I'm not expecting it to have much impact on the Cardinals standing out, especially when looking at such a long timeframe ("number of runners with opportunity to steal" might be pretty similar across teams when averaged over such a period). But could be an interesting way to look at shorter timeframes and specific catchers, where a low number of steals against could be a mix of catcher contributions and other factors - caught stealing is easy to count, but you can really only attribute the "threat" of a catcher's arm to _suppressing steal attempts_ if we know how many runners had a chance to steal against that catcher in the first place.

[@carsonstorey2316]

I was reading Wally Schang's Wikipedia page and found this crazy nugget: "In the early 20th century, when players with facial hair became a rarity in baseball, Wally Schang became the last major leaguer to sport a moustache, in 1914. After that, is reported that the first players to sport moustaches during the regular season were Dick Allen (St. Louis Cardinals) and Felipe Alou (Oakland Athletics), both in 1970".

[@FoolishBaseball]

You know Schang.

[@thetroyzernator]

Shit, it’s 1970. Time to tache up for the next ten years.

[@DM0407]

why do we not refer to baseball eras as 'old timey stache era', the 'no fun era', and the 'porn stache era. The 90's wasn't the steroid era it was the goatee era.

[@bullseyeedits7001]

@@thetroyzernator lol

[@chili015]

There's another aspect that doesn't often get mentioned. Molina has always had a unique way of being on the same mental wavelength as his pitchers. He so often calls the exact pitch they're wanting to throw... not a lot of shaking off. This gets the pitcher into a rhythm and keeps the defense on their toes because the pitcher is working faster. It's a very underrated intangible, but it goes a long way and has a hand in why the Cardinals consistently have put out some of the best pitching staff numbers in the league over the last 2 decades.

[@bobkochera3447]

it might not be calling a pitch that the pitcher wants but the pitcher's trust in Molina and not shaking the call off!

[@louiemarkovitz1880]

Catchers intuition

[@louiemarkovitz1880]

He has a good gut instinct, imo

[@guitarfreak13095]

I concur

[@MarsJenkar]

@@bobkochera3447 Could be the pitchers trust Molina to call the right pitch... could be that Molina is good at predicting the types of pitches the pitcher wants to throw. Could be a combination of the two.

[@wocket3807]

One of the more interesting things growing up as a catcher and Yadi being my idol was the idea of framing fatigue. If you try to frame absolutely everything, particularly when you have a reputation of getting umpires to make bad calls, you can actually make the strike zone smaller just because they get in their head you’re trying to trick them. Yadier Molina though really doesn’t try to frame much outside of high leverage pitches to try and increase his chances of stealing a strikeout or getting back ahead in the count against a dangerous hitter. One of the most useful things I learned.

[@AndreIguodalaFan55]

Man yadi has like 50000000 iq

[@adamplace1414]

What a great comment. I never thought about that (and I guess I'm not alone) but it makes perfect sense.

[@jaime11x85]

Yadi is also the new owner of the Vaqueros de Bayamon, a professional basketball team in Puerto Rico. They are currently 15-0 in the new season and are miles above everyone in the league. THE MOLINA EFFECT

[@TheChainChasers]

Sweet, cool info

[@namtrof01]

Hot damn he wins too much, now I know I can't bring my ole lady round him. He'd win her too

[@alt842]

You forgot to mention that they were the Champions last year

[@oliverk.8312]

Eric Fortman gotta watch yo back with Yadi around

[@jaime11x85]

@@alt842 True. Honestly forgot about the COVID bubble season. Was a blur

[@kate2582]

If he's as good as this channel, he's a hall of famer

[@FoolishBaseball]

you're too kind

[@MacDaddyMace]

2035 Hall of Fame inductie foolish Bailey

[@connormhhickey848]

@@MacDaddyMace 9 years left, enjoy him while he lasts

[@leonardoorozco318]

@@FoolishBaseball Long story short: You rock, FB!!!

[@A.B.421]

@@MacDaddyMace so he’s retiring in 2030? 😔

[@tannerrienbolt3143]

If you ever needed an indication of how great Yadi was, look at the Cardinals this season

[@jacobbrannan7300]

So true, and as a lifelong Cardinal fan, so sad.

[@napoleantntgaming5265]

Fr

[@blazingbattlehawk9626]

Its like how badly the Colts fell off after losing Peyton for a season

[@Theorpo]

No matter how good he was. He was the captain and heart and at that the soul of the team for YEARS. And there's nothing more valuable than that

[@crunchied8]

also look at that base steals this year the catchers are so bad now

[@erismo2138]

Speaking of "count" stats: his Caught Stealings (putouts, pickoffs and anything derived from those) has been lowered due to his great defense. If players had run against him at league rates, he'd have what? Another two or three hundred putouts against runners, and anything related to that?

[@thabeaststl3703]

Exactly! I was just about to post that "No one runs on him!" Then the piece was shown on SBs by team and Andrew McCutchen (which surprised me about him, but it just shows he's smart not to try).

[@WallisTylerJ]

All teams have rules for stealing against another team. For several teams their steal rule against The Cardinals (with Molina) is "don't".

[@Devon_Howell]

I somehow didn’t even think about that, thanks for calling this out! Amazing point

[@omny6686]

@@WallisTylerJ when players like Billy Hamilton struggle to steal against Yadi, I can imagine the fear ruminating through other club houses.

[@familyguyfreemoviedownload8314]

it’s for the same reason that deion sanders or darrelle revis don’t have tons of interceptions

[@msp7515]

I think my favorite Molina stat is that, despite his well-deserved reputation for being one of the slowest players in the MLB, he is more successful at stealing bases than the collective rest of the MLB is at stealing bases against him (65.09% v 59.63%).

[@No5712]

that's actually insane

[@traviswrigg5158]

That's like that chart of Bob Lemon hitting vs Bob Lemon pitching where he for most of his career never hit for average, but he DID hit better than his opposition

[@senorpepper3405]

he's just a smart baserunner. i saw him go first to third the other day on a base hit. for the most part he knows what he can get away with.

[@JohnSmith-nw8cu]

@@traviswrigg5158 aye secret base fan

[@carloslugo3666]

@@senorpepper3405 That word is the definition of Molina's game "smart", it's just insane how a pitcher can have a difference between being mediocre to having a barely Hof career like Wainwright, just by having Molina calling his pitches. And a lot of what Molina does can't be quantified by metrics.

[@RiddLs]

As a yankee fan and Yadier Molina believer, I’m going to stop watching now that I’m 7 minutes in so I can convince myself that Jorge Posada and Brett Gardner are both hall of famers. Thanks Bailey!

[@FoolishBaseball]

Great plan.

[@bradfordlangston836]

It's a Gardy party

[@mcearlgrey]

Jorgie may not be a hall of famer but he deserved more than one year on the ballot

[@jimjoneston1893]

Lmaooo Yankees don’t have any hall of gamers on there roster for next 20 yrs good luck

[@JT_WARCRIME]

@Jersey Boy Probably took him an hour to come up with that

[@CB-vt3mx]

I grew up playing catcher and will tell you that to be able to perform at a high level for 20 years of MLB play is alone a great testament to him. Over the years, great catchers have come and gone, but Molina's longevity and the value it has had to the pitching staff in St Louis must be his greatest accomplishment. That alone is HOF material.

[@covrtdesign5279]

20 years, as a catcher as well. That is unheard of.

[@louies5988]

He is a shoo-in HOFer. I don’t think that even should be debatable

[@covrtdesign5279]

@@louies5988 He better be!

[@alexanderhack6248]

Yes, time played is a seriously underappreciated stat for figuring out the value of a player over their career. As us soccer enjoyers like to say, "the greatest ability is availability".

[@BroadswordMedia]

Wow! Andrew McCutchen forever stopped attempting stolen bases against Yadier Molina. That is actually quite incredible

[@leibmenter2331]

The one main lesson I took from this video is that we’re lucky to be watching Yadi, but we should also pay more attention to Jason Kendall lol

[@FoolishBaseball]

The other crazy Jason Kendall thing is that he stole bases. He had eight seasons with double-digit steals, and three with 20+.

[@alexw0310]

@@FoolishBaseball He even batted leadoff sometimes

[@GaIeforce]

@@FoolishBaseball The only catcher today who could maybe come close to what Jason Kendall did is J.T. Realmuto. He stole 12 in 2016, and he is on pace to hit double digits this year. People rave about J.T.'s defense and game-changing power, but people also forget the dude has wheels!

[@LillyVonT]

This just made me feel sad for Jason. He deserved more talk. Guess that’s what happens when your best years are in Pittsburgh

[@shemhenrichsen32]

@@GaIeforce lol, Phillies broadcast guys don’t stop talking about his speed.

[@wesleyantrim6648]

I’ll be the first to admit that compared to what I was 20-25 years ago, I’m a pretty casual fan. But I seriously had no idea this was even a debate. I thought it was pretty much universally accepted that Molina was one of the greatest catchers ever, and a shoo-in first ballot hall of famer.

[@josephfeldmann1025]

It's mostly a debate with sports writers trying to get an angle for a column. Or troll Cardinals fans. His offensive numbers not being Piazza's is the ding. But, yeah, most people recognize that this small ding won't keep him out. Probably not even for a year. Nor should it. (Hmm. Number one reason to hope Pujols plays one more year. To see him and Yadi go into the HOF together.)

[@wesleyantrim6648]

@@josephfeldmann1025 I’m a Texas Rangers fan for more than 40 years, so I hate the cardinals lol. But I easily recognize the brilliance of Yadi behind the plate. It’s asinine to me to think anybody would dream of keeping him out. The catcher position has never been about huge offense. Their value to the team is immeasurable in other ways. And nobody has given more value than yadi, except maybe Pudge Rodriguez.

[@spaceracer23]

@@josephfeldmann1025 you know writers are trolling when they pretend Piazza was actually a catcher and not a first baseman who got lost and ended up behind the plate.

[@Mr91Jmay]

If Mike Mussina is a hall of famer, give me a break that Yadi isn't

[@johnstrawb3521]

@Wesley Antrim You couldn't be more wrong.

[@danielmartinez6197]

I love baseball and I’m a Dodgers fan..this man’s teams always broke our spirits in the postseason but I can say this..dude is one of the best catchers in MLB History..his game and everything he does backs it up..he is a well deserving future hall of famer 💯🙏🏼

[@shawnwoods8987]

You broke OUR spirits this last post season 😢

[@lancem3443]

One of my favorite Yadi stories is that the one time in spring training a pitcher didn’t listen to his call and gave up a HR, and he never questioned Yadis calls after that

[@nightsurvivor3673]

"The NL Central is anarchy." Best baseball quote ever from FB.

[@iEatCheese33]

It’s so true

[@ast9398]

And the reds will continue to try to cause some more😊 (at least this season. The division is usually wild, or a lopsided blowout at the top) Edit: Ultimate pain

[@blue_manatee3895]

That's because all the best quotes are true

[@benn454]

Same as it ever was.

[@blakemcconnell6213]

No place Id rather be

[@PoweroftheP00f]

Very very happy you brought up his arm. I'm not even a Cardinals fan, but that stolen bases allowed since 2005 stat is one of my favorites in baseball.

[@taylortreadgold4810]

HOF on that alone.

[@simonalexander7137]

I was getting ready to write up that yeah the framing is great.... but what about the throw-outs. then ofc foolish chucks it in the last 20 seconds.

[@sinatra222]

It's impossible to make a Hall of Fame case for Molina without bringing up his arm.

[@DrQuak]

I love watching videos of Yadi picking out fools running on him (or even just, you know, absent mindedly wandering off base a little too far), and I'm a Giants fan. I love Posey, but Yadi is my favourite catcher in baseball.

[@benn454]

@@DrQuak Wow, I'm gonna have to mark this down on the calendar! A Giants fan finally admitting that Yadi is a better catcher than Posey! (Buster is, of course, a much better hitter.)

[@ryanmooney7816]

Announced today his next season will be his last, feel like I’ve been watching him since I was in diapers. Legend of the game.

[@ChuckPTV]

2004 to 2022

[@luisz3354]

Also forgot how good he is at calling games and sequences. IMO he’s a genius at that and how most of the times brings out the best out of any pitcher. That’s why for me that is the main reason he’s the greatest catcher of all time. The other things are extra points.

[@CTEBIKEFOODDELIVERY]

not even close to the best. get outta town lol

[@luisz3354]

@@CTEBIKEFOODDELIVERY never said he was the best … he’s in the conversation to being the best for sure

[@gavinwinkler1147]

@@CTEBIKEFOODDELIVERY we rarely see a pitcher shake off yadi's call, even other All-stars, so his game calling is elite

[@csgman5981]

“Yadier Molina contains multitudes” - Foolish Baseball 2021

[@FoolishBaseball]

so say we all

[@Pakatak2147]

As a reds fan, I am at peace with the fact that yadier molina will live rent free in my head until the end of time

[@JonnyOpinionated]

I'm 44. been a Cards fan since I was 8... Yadi Is my all time favourite player. So when a fan of divisional rival gives high praise like this, my heart is warmed.

[@JayTemple]

In much the same way, Brandon Phillips and Johnny Cueto live rent-free in mine.

[@arsenal-slr9552]

You love him like we love Votto, you just won't admit it

[@tbecker403]

@@arsenal-slr9552 I’m with you on the Votto love as a Cards fan. The dude is boss.

[@CSDonohue11]

His framing is SO Clean. Best I’ve ever seen. Sooo smooth & that’s what matters. Doesn’t even look like he’s moving his glove. Most catchers look like they’re snatching it even Gold Glovers Not Yadi Dadi

[@Windyyyyyyyyy]

Since I’m a Mets fan, yadi always has been an enemy in my eyes, especially with THAT home run. But to say that he isn’t one of the best catchers in the sport is an understatement. He’s one of the most talented defensive catchers and constantly helps his teams pitching. You know what makes the cardinals rotation go? Molina. He’s such a smart man even if he isn’t the one behind the plate every day.

[@TRAMNITTSU]

The bit about Willie Mays being worried about the wrong WAR is why you’re the best baseball channel on KZbin

[@FoolishBaseball]

He is smiling with his mouth, but not his eyes.

[@DooDooDaddyTV]

I’m a big advocate that the HoF should lean harder into the “fame” part and what players have contributed to the growth of the sport. Molina, regardless of his bona fide stats that already put him into the HoF, should get in on the sheer fact that he is a legend in the sport and the perfect example of what a catcher should strive to be.

[@donalddowning4108]

Agreed. ‘Fame’ should definitely be a factor and Molina is a rockstar. Considering ‘fame’ as a factor, Roger Maris IS Hall of Fame worthy (a pet peeve of mine).

[@ZbagdoesMC]

By that logic Patrick Mahomes should be in the baseball HOF lol

[@DooDooDaddyTV]

@@ZbagdoesMC If he is an owner of the KC Royals for a long time and does a ton for the team and the sport then yes I agree

[@jonnyblayze5149]

Must of never heard of a guy named ivan Rodriguez

[@chaost4544]

For me, what's amazing about his career is his offensive stats given his role. From day one it was apparent he was a defensive genius. That was a given. To me what was amazing is his offensive stats. He made himself into a really damn good hitter and a lot of his hitting stats rank really well among offensive minded catchers.

[@luguentzdort6365]

This video was perfectly timed. The day after it was uploaded, Yadier Molina announced that next season will be his last. Feels good to know I could learn how great he was before he hung em up for good.

[@damionmorris3496]

Not a cards fan but mad respect for the man and "yes" 1st ballot hall of fame! This man is a BEAST behind the plate.

[@willster8759]

He is a slam dunk Hall of Famer in my book. One of the best catchers ever.

[@vincent6355]

Yeah I think it's a SD for sure. He does a lot

[@johnstrawb3521]

No, and it's not particularly close. He was a very good player for a long time, but his peak was far too brief. The Dave Parker of catchers. Yadi is in the Darrell Porter-Jason Kendal tier. Close, but not 'maybe' close. Just not good enough.

[@cebolla1449]

@@johnstrawb3521 did you watch the video you just commented on?

[@mr.windmill4892]

@@johnstrawb3521 What an insane thing to say Mr. Strawb

[@austinweekley9213]

As a pirates fan he’s easily first ballot I’m shocked it’s a question tbh

[@jothompson470]

When he was giving him props and then level two just said “fraud” I started dying

[@FoolishBaseball]

It is I who contained multitudes all along.

[@tylerburton9908]

@@FoolishBaseball Unfolding that dialectic

[@traviswrigg5158]

@@FoolishBaseball Maybe the real stats accumulation was all the friends we made along the way

[@wyssmaster]

Fraudier Molina

[@JohnSmith-nw8cu]

@@wyssmaster best comment

[@scarbo2229]

Anyone who’s seen Yadi play knows that he’s a HOFamer. It’s not just his production and numbers, but how he plays the game. The Lythe motions, quick, flexible arm, the ease of movement behind the plate, leadership on the field. It’s the presence of raw talent and charisma.

[@quinnpm5256]

You singlehandedly got this man an extension

[@unchainthewolves]

He thought we wouldn’t notice the Jeff Mathis link when he started talking about framing, but we did.

[@FoolishBaseball]

Jeff Mathis

[@unchainthewolves]

@@FoolishBaseball “Jeff Mathis” - David Fletcher

[@fries5849]

@@FoolishBaseball Jeff Mathis

[@JohnSmith-nw8cu]

@@FoolishBaseball Jeff Mathis

[@alleanklienbonita4705]

@@FoolishBaseball Jeff Mathis

[@ericluchon5401]

Cubs fan here to say that Yadi is the best Molina, the best catcher, and one of the greatest defensive weapons in MLB history. Hats off to the man.

[@haydenandhayden]

Benji is better

[@willb3486]

Are there any new Molinas in the pipeline?

[@jackrock121]

Cards fan here. Hearing a cubs fan say that got me teary eyed

[@dukejohnson1956]

Bench pudge berra clear by a significant amount lol

[@chevleclair493]

I grew up a Cubs fan. I booed McGwire, Pujols, Edmonds, Carpenter, Smith, and Coleman. Molina won my respect, period. He's the best I've ever seen as a catcher, and only Pudge Rodriguez is even close.

[@jordanrogers3835]

“I’m worried about the wrong WAR rn” killed me 😂😂

[@GolDGreg]

Bengie Molina was also instrumental to Buster Posey’s MLB transition. Combined with Jose Molina and you have easily the best catching family ever and likely for all time.

[@icharpod]

"No Yadi? Woop time to run!" is one of the best lines from you so far, Bailey.

[@FoolishBaseball]

Small correction, Johnny Bench is NOT the all-time leader for Gold Glove awards with 10. It's Iván Rodríguez with 13. Molina made a bit of fuss last year about MLB not letting him catch Bench, but I guess that was just for the National League lead, not the all-time lead.

[@michaellhoover94]

Why do you say he is the best defender of all time when you don't have good data for most of that time? Will you also say Nick Ahmed is the greatest shortstop of all time because he leads in outs above average?

[@FoolishBaseball]

​@@michaellhoover94 You can keep in mind that I technically said that ~in character~, but that's a bit of a cop out. I would point out that framing data goes both ways. Who is to say that Johnny Bench, Gary Carter, or Bill Dickey weren't negative framers? If they were, it would actually hurt their metrics. And that's certainly a possibility. Look at the reputation Salvador Perez has cultivated for himself despite being statistically a very poor framer throughout his career. And of course, this is a criticism that can really only apply to catchers. Other positions have Total Zone or UZR/DRS to cover their metrics for all of MLB history. So the Molina vs Ozzie Smith and Brooks Robinson comparisons don't need as much justification.

[@mentalhaze4226]

@@FoolishBaseball hey its about time! I was watching this video hoping to hear a reference to my great grand dad Bill Dickey. Low and behold I had to come to the comments for it Edit: unless I just missed it in the video ; )

[@MrBrayden24]

Nerd

[@michaellhoover94]

@@FoolishBaseball but do you really think that it is likely most of the great defensive catchers have been bellow average framers? Given Yadier Molina's contemporaries that seems unlikely to me. He has not clearly separated himself from other great framers of the era. He is worse than Martin and McCann in terms of total framing runs and ahead and of Posey by the same amount he is behind those two. Molina is not doing anything we have not seen in terms of framing value over the short time we have had it. He's just an elite catcher nothing transcendent as far as I can tell. Edit: also I can appreciate the in character point to an extent but that argument does not get walked back in the same way the other arguments you set up as flawed do during the rest of the video. Also I can admit that Yadi is probably (there is still debate about how we calculate framing after all) a better defender than Ozzie but all that is really telling me is that catcher is historically underrated in terms of Defense. We really do not know from that if he unprecedented in terms of catchers. The other great catchers of the era suggest he's probably not.

[@tomlehmann306]

Watching him his entire career, he’s a hall of famer, I don’t care what sabremetrics say

[@anthonyhansel9175]

Sabermetrics aren't even real stats, been saying it for years and no one can convince me otherwise.

[@ThorHC11]

@@anthonyhansel9175 Ooh, who's an edgy boy! Yeah, you are! Both things can be valid. Sabermetrics are very useful, but Yadi is still a HOFer.

[@davewolf6256]

I'm relieved to know what a bunch of morons sabermetricians are. For statistical analysis to have any real world utility, it has to account for changes in total observations that result from cause and effect. This is called survivorship bias and has inspired some clever internet memes. Now I have seen and heard people say some damning things about Yadier Molina. ("He's not even as good as Bengie!") But if it is true that sabermetricians do not even account for the ancillary effect of Yady's arm, that's just pathetic! Baseball stat geeks are the sort of fans that could never wrap their head around American Football. They would never understand that the best cornerbacks in the NFL have fewer tackles and interceptions than other cornerbacks on their team, simply because their receiver never gets open. They would never get that running back productivity is more often the result of good O-Line play than the back being especially talented. I am ashamed of baseball fans. I've said it!

[@hkgcgsdhjgd]

@@anthonyhansel9175 What does that even mean? What's a "real" stat?

[@norwoodwildlife9849]

I'm a Red Sox fan and I always loved Yadier since I first saw him in the 2004 World Series.

[@stortacus]

We will never see another family with the accolades of the Molina brothers. Absolute legends.

[@brandonburris7227]

I think they are the best family in all of sports. Sure the Manning brothers in football have two championships each. There are three Molina brothers and all three have two rings.

[@justinc22443]

Post career antics aside, the Alomars were pretty damn good as well

[@williamklumpenhower1188]

Nobody pays attention to hockey but the real best brother combo is the Sedin twins

[@connormadden182]

If only the Sedin twins won a Cup (or two) I’d be with ya

[@derkaiserzen]

@@williamklumpenhower1188 and If you include the Father-Son combo.. I'd say Bobby Hull and Brett Hull should be included.

[@Jrose11]

Idk if that intro "How good was Yadier Molina REALLY" was a False Swipe Gaming reference, but if so, this channel is even cooler than I thought. Oh ya, and amazing video!

[@FoolishBaseball]

I've watched that channel before, but I was actually thinking more along the lines of Dave Chappelle's "how old is 15, really?"

[@nothazzz]

@@FoolishBaseball One of the greatest jokes by one of the greatest comedians of our time.

[@imdeonerik]

Good God, what a wierd place to run into your channel, love your stuff

[@blubbertoast2580]

how does jrose have time to watch baseball with some of the videos he makes

[@pandap55]

@@FoolishBaseballLOL I love you

[@cyberfall]

This was an incredibly well researched and put together video. People like you are a big part of the reason why I love baseball and its world of statistics. This is awesome.

[@covmom1378]

We lived in Arlington, Texas when the Rangers brought up Rodriguez and knew several of them from going to Bobby Valentine’s restaurant. I always thought that Pudge was the best until I started watching the Cardinals. Molina is a beast. He has played 1st base a few times, too.

[@joshuacohen7609]

"Yadier Molina is a baseball player." Foolish Bailey just spittin out facts like he always does (can't wait to see your video on why Tyler Wade deserves to win the MVP)

[@hobosapiens404]

In the New York Yankees’ hour of need, Wade proved most valuable, indeed

[@the_major]

Bengie Molina is watching this like, "Hey! I'm a Molina brother too!"

[@davidlevison9334]

Only Molina with a cycle

[@alleanklienbonita4705]

@@davidlevison9334 That was beautiful

[@dominicpancella3012]

He's the only Molina to play for both pennant winners in the same season

[@alperensengun6832]

I love when Bailey breaks out the “Hey poindexter”

[@sharpieman2035]

I appreciate how you make your videos so accessible, I haven’t watched a baseball game in 10 years and I still enjoy your videos.

[@carteryoung5652]

Thankfully people don’t like arguing on the internet and this case is closed. Thanks Bailey!

[@FoolishBaseball]

What a relief!

[@arsenal-slr9552]

@@FoolishBaseball You have no idea

[@ArsenicDrone]

I don't know, I don't think people like arguing on the internet. Wait, that's what you said? Yeah, agreed!

[@A.B.421]

We need “Gary Sánchez, the Anti-Mathis”

[@FoolishBaseball]

The anti-Mathis was and always will be Ryan Doumit

[@chamo_jose]

Title: Gary Sanchez Can Hit, but He's Bad for Baseball. "ANALYTICS LOVE HIM!"

[@chamo_jose]

@@A.B.421 that's why i switched the title to the opposite. It's just a joke

[@fredstudios2593]

More like Gary Sanchez: The Double Water Bottle Guy

[@A.B.421]

@@fredstudios2593 yes

[@spiff66]

Amazing bro. This one is up there with the best of baseball bits for sure. Took me on a wild emotional ride with a happy ending :)

[@Mindcreat0r]

I like how a theme when you’re analyzing players based on the 3 groups of no, some, and all analytics is that the no analytics and all analytics groups strangely align.

[@bubba200874426]

It's a perfect example of a danger of incomplete understanding of topic.

[@MacDaddyMace]

My opinion before watching this video: HOF My opinion while watching the video: HOF My opinion after watching this video: HOF

[@FoolishBaseball]

Very principled

[@MacDaddyMace]

@@FoolishBaseball thank you sir Bailey

[@fpistella3777]

I like the weird fever dream he had about McCutchen lmao

[@FoolishBaseball]

It's very strange sight

[@C4m4r0]

I was always told you know a hall of famer when you see them play. That goes for any sport. I'm a White Sox fan, grew up seeing Harold Baines play and never once thought that. I don't think any Sox fan thought that. We all thought he was an All Star caliber player from time to time but that doesn't make him a hall of famer. Yadi is one of those players you know is a hall of famer. You can see it in the way he plays and the way he carries himself on the field.

[@RandomGuy42016]

As a Mets fan, it hurt when he hit that HR in 06. As a Puerto Rican, Yadi is a legend and one of my favorites of all time.

[@ryandeeken1554]

As a cardinals fan, I'm glad I pushed through that part 2. The final part was perfect summation of Yadi

[@DanLawo]

Also as a cardinals fan, we do respectably need that part two though. It can be dangerous to truly believe that a living person is also an actual God. lol. Seriously, it is true that we St. Louisans overexaggerate his offense because of both "numbers from longevity (with this same fan base)" and also because of the ever-so-magical "clutch offense" that is obviously real as one-off examples, but also... kind of made up. LOL. But yes, I loved the segue where the video explained that though Yadi has only "above average" offense for a catcher or as a player in some/many respects... it still doesn't really matter regarding conversation to do with "best defensive player", "best catcher", or "hall of farmer" when he simply has/had so much more/else going on.

[@ethanhamza]

Lol the McCutchen fever dream got me cracking up! Thanks for doing a video on Yadi, love him as a player, he's handed me a game ball before.

[@FoolishBaseball]

I keep waking up from this recurring nightmare where Andrew McCutchen plays for the Yankees.

[@jefferycraig5353]

I got a game ball from Yadi when he was warming up a pitcher between innings while Mattheny put on his gear, and after that game got it signed by Albert Pujols and Dan Haren.

[@ethanhamza]

@@jefferycraig5353 that's awesome! I got mine in between innings but couldn't get it signed; it's great nonetheless.

[@ServiceMasterlex]

Great video. I like how you looked at Yadi's career from different angles and perspectives. Very informative and well done.

[@RicksterGhost]

A lot of people needed to see this. Thank you!!

[@Roysorb]

There's something very satisfying knowing that the Molina family had one offensive specialist, one defensive specialist, and one mix of both.

[@MisterTeal]

Bengie, Jose, Yadi in that order?

[@Destroyer0]

@@MisterTeal yes

[@dominicpancella3012]

Their parents should make the Hall of Fame

[@ThatGhettoPenguin]

Know you were heavy grinding on this one Bailey we appreciate the effort

[@FoolishBaseball]

Thank you!

[@justinharris2272]

Baseball bits makes me so happy dude thank you. This series is a gift

[@Swampfoxtrd]

Always a great day when a new baseball bits pops up. Great series

[@seymourglass26]

Every force has an equal opposite force in physics. We had Ricky Henderson for offense and smart base running. Years later, Molina is the defensive equivalent of Ricky's genius. Great video.

[@blessd24]

I've been a very big Cardinals fan since 1996. I've probably watched 90 percent of the games Yadi has played in. What he does for pitchers is what is "under the radar" special. He's taken every pitcher he's worked with and made them better than what they would have been otherwise. Oh, and I had a dog named Yadi.

[@xokayb7l2]

I have seen him enough to know how great he is. I think a lot of people only have stats to go by and say well his abc and xyz was low. He is one of those guys you just had to see play.

[@alexanderkopp6647]

One of those unquantifiables on a stat sheet but absolutely important. He’s even doing it today JA Happ has a lower ERA since being trading to the Cardinals (under 2) than Max Scherzer since being traded to the Dodgers.

[@Corn-Pop.]

as someone from St Louis I can't tell you how extreme he's loved in this city, his face might as well be the Cardinal's logo, if he drove through town and choose a random house, walked in the front door without knocking he'd almost for sure be asked if he wanted something to drink and if he wanted to stay for dinner

[@pujols112696]

As a life time Cardinals fan, I cried a little bit when they broke the news that next year is his last

[@comedysins3557]

He’s my favourite player ever and I’ve waited for this forever. P.S. hof

[@mrshi29]

I’ve always liked Yadi, even as a non Cards fan. He’s the heart and soul of the team - I remember watching a post season game where he got injured whilst hitting and was like “well, that’s the cards screwed….” (which they ended up being)

[@raulbonilla4137]

You take your time with these. Thank you.

[@LuisGonzalez-dr2im]

You know, I don’t know squat about baseball, nor how the stats work, or anything else. But you make it so amusing and interesting at the same time, I can’t stop watching your videos!

[@daryldixon3685]

Yadier Molina is my favorite player and definitely deserves to get in Cooperstown

[@prsfuture]

Yadi is probably my favorite player of all time. Seems to get the big hit whenever his team needs it the most . The 2017 Puerto Rico team does not make the wbc final without him

[@TheArtien]

To this day my eyes tear up...

[@nickstaudt6737]

You do such a great job with these videos. Thank you.

[@miloobrzut5497]

Catcher is the most valuable position on the baseball diamond and one day when we realize that catchers are gonna win mvp every year

[@DannyECO7]

I'm gonna miss watching Molina play when he retires.

[@christinemeredith7269]

We only have him for one more season 🥲

[@BloodoperaBlackvomit]

Everytime I catch a Cardinals, I hope Molina is playing. He's really good.

[@IlliniDog01]

It is pretty hard to miss him. Unless he is injured he plays in like 19 out of 20 games.

[@incitatis5269]

Thanks for that final stat. I heard a similar stat (I think the stat I heard was stolen base attempts against by team since 2005, which was also eye opening) from John Smoltz on MLB Network or Sunday Night Baseball. I haven’t been able to find that stat since. Anyway, the difference between 29th in baseball and Yadi was almost unbelievable. Factor in all the snap throw pickoffs and smothered balls in the dirt and he is, by far, the best defensive catcher I remember seeing. Sorry, Pudge. (I saw Bench catch a game in StL but was too young to remember it).

[@haramberestinpeace2709]

Everytime I see a new Baseball bit the amount of joy that rushes through my body cannot be explained

[@davidkelly9946]

I think the aspects of your brilliant storytelling goes unnoticed each video. The way you broke this down into the old average fan, the new hotshot, and the person who digs a little deeper. Amazing perspective and one of your best videos. Keep it up!

[@PoopVintner]

“He has less WAR than Brett Gardner” holy fuck you just snuck that in there but that seriously just made my jaw drop. I can’t believe that.

[@Kyle-mw3bo]

Yeah I made an audible ohh sound

[@PoopVintner]

@@Kyle-mw3bo I literally said “oh shit” out loud and paused the video to take it in.

[@FoolishBaseball]

Brett bangs

[@djk1563]

Brett Gardner is my sister

[@sasharobertson5912]

Absolutely one of my favorites you’ve ever made

[@KC-bg1th]

Hahaha, the best part of your videos is the 'wow' factor. Whether it's the riddle of pop-time in one of your other videos, or that panning graphic of stolen bases allowed in this one, your videos always have such an amazing pace and pay-off that even non-baseball heads can enjoy.

[@slimjimmypage]

I remember yesterday I watched this video on a channel called "Foolish Bailey" that was like "SABRmetrics bad because they make my favourites look worse" and the guy was like, "No I try to focus on positives instead of cutting people down." hmmmmm

[@No5712]

nah he definitely focuses on the positives here

[@FoolishBaseball]

And then what happened

[@traviswrigg5158]

And then he went and tried to help folks tearing Yadi down based on some advanced stats that the advanced-er stats actually say he's very excellent

[@seraphii72]

i love how bailey just sounds confused the entire time while reading his script

[@ginoferiante7140]

Great video! Great baseball talk with a sense of humor to boot!

[@ProfessorPanyck]

Was so excited when our family Dodgers trip finally took us to St. Louis. Yadi was injured that weekend, and I have yet to see him play live. I really hope I can catch him next year.

[@rique_stl4624]

I got to see him play in atl where I live now and he hit a hr and til this day it’s one of the happiest moments of my life!! Seeing my favorite cardinal hit a hr !!!! Best thing is a have a video of it too😭 I was screaming like a fool LMAO

[@kbvibin7870]

My favorite player of all time. Got me really into baseball watching him and been a huge Cards fan ever since, hoping this vid is a banger

[@anthonyhansel9175]

Not sure how long you've been a fan, but welcome to the best fanbase in all of sports.

[@BaseballsNotDead]

Well structured video. Really amazing how you're able to incorporate all the criticisms of Molina while still making it about how great he is.

[@TheMegaDudeBroski]

I’m a simple Cubs fan. I see Yadi, I grit my teeth

[@pudgeboyardee32]

hall of fame or not, here in st louis we will raise a statue of him right next to stan musials. and im glad you mentioned yogi berra. when he passed a couple years ago everybody over on The Hill drove by his moms old place, where yogis sister still lives. we lined up for hours in our cars to pay our respects. The Hill is the name of the italian neighborhood here in stl. i was working just down the street at the time and my boss gave us extra time for our break to head by and say a few words. yeah, there's a reason yadi stayed here. some things cant be bought.

[@sebastianrutkowski8209]

Awesome video as always Foolish! When you announced a few days ago that you'd be working on a catcher video, I was really hoping it would be about Molina, and I wasn't disappointed. I think this video made tons of great points, and it makes it very clear that Yadi deserves to be a HoFer. Keep up the great work!

[@jdfisher333]

As a true Cardinal fan who deeply appreciates Waino and Yadi. Hell of a video my guy. I love that you saved the best for last.

[@the215sean]

I've been a lifelong Red Sox fan but Yadi has been one of my favorite players of all time since I first saw him play. He's what's right about baseball. Loyal and a workhorse, not to mention he has a bazooka.

[@danpeezie]

Well done! Every time I thought of a “yeah but” to counter one of your nay sayer arguments, you covered it. Particularly the intangibles and the pitcher era with and without Yadi, because that’s across the board and not just waino. Also-you may have convinced me that Jason Kendal belongs in the Hall!!