Yadier Molina manages Puerto Rico just as he played: With an edge

Yadier Molina has always played with a competitive attitude, so it’s no surprise he has that attitude as a manager. 

After managing Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela this winter, Molina instantly transitioned to his role as manager of Team Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic.

Molina has moved from being the manager on the field as a catcher to the team’s manager from the dugout using the same mindset that made him so successful for nearly two decades. But instead of being that catcher trusted to lead the team on the field, he’s moving to feel trust for the whole team to do the job on the field.

In a special report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s retired Hall of Fame writer Rick Hummel, Molina said, “You’ve got to trust your catcher. Your instincts are still there, but also, you’ve got to have the trust of your players.”

Luckily, Molina’s catching tandem is Martin Maldonado and Christian Vasquez, who played for the 2022 World Series champion Houston Astros. “The job is easier because I trust them a lot.”

As for his pitchers and gaining a mental edge, Molina is still leading with that style that helps him get the most out of his pitchers. In Wednesday’s game, Molina gave reporters some different starters before finally settling down on Fernando Cruz.

So what was behind that decision?

That’s vintage Yadi.

Yadier Molina is bringing his singular swagger to managerial decisions

Cruz pitched two innings Wednesday evening. He gave up one hit and two walks while striking out two batters. Molina then brought in Jovani Moran, who struck out two but did give up a home run to Juan Soto. He was pulled after two-thirds of an inning.

Yacksel Ríos was brought in next. He pitched 1.2 innings, giving up a hit while striking out one. Alexis Diaz took the next inning, where he walked two, giving up a hit and one run. Nicholas Padilla came in for an inning, only giving up two hits.

Molina next brought in Jorge Lopez, who struck out two batters. Duane Underwood Jr. was brought in next for Puerto Rico. He struck out one. Edwin Diaz was then tapped to pitch the bottom of the ninth, striking out all three batters he faced.

Throughout the game, it was terrific to see how Molina strategically used the pitching staff with an all-hands-on-deck approach. Everyone contributed and did their part.

Molina and Puerto Rico will move on to the quarterfinals of the WBC. Unfortunately, the team may be without Diaz, who suffered an apparent leg injury while celebrating the team’s victory Wednesday. Molina will undoubtedly make the best of this situation, given the team’s talent and his trust in them.