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The Tampa Bay Rays picked up Jose Molina's $1.8 million option, which helps to solidify the catcher position for the team heading into the 2013 season. Molina appeared in 102 games for Tampa Bay in 2012, which was his first season with the club.
"We felt like [Molina] added a lot to our pitching staff with his knowledge of the game and the pitch-calling and the controlling of the running game; we were extremely successful on the run-prevention side, and we felt Jose Molina was a big part of that success," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said.
The Rays are still looking to add a second catcher, who might take on the role as starter. Molina has spent 13 seasons in the MLB. He hit .223/.286/.355 with eight home runs and 32 RBI last year. Prior to joining the Rays, he spent time with the Cubs, Angels, Yankees and Blue Jays.
