Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
A lengthy losing streak, coupled with the loss of Yadier Molina to the disabled list brought about the suggested end to the St. Louis Cardinals chances to win the National League Central division. Those that suggested that there would be no way to replace Molina outside of a great trade appear to have been at least partially mistaken, myself included. Tony Cruz has done an admirable job standing in for the all-star catcher.
Cruz is becoming a pretty good story in that he has tried very hard all season long to keep himself ready. The official site suggests that he attended meetings for games he wasn’t starting between catchers and pitchers and really made himself involved in the game plan on a daily basis. That kind of hard work appears to have paid off for him after the loss of Molina to the disabled list.
To be certain, no one in MLB can replace all that Molina brings to the Cardinals but Cruz has done as much as most anyone could be expected to do. He has been a great receiver to the pitchers, called a good game and been in control of his aspects of the game. There are a lot of teams that could do a lot worse than Cruz as an everyday backstop.
Unfortunately as good as he has been in all catching aspects; Cruz has been unable to duplicate the offense that Molina brings. The Cardinals say that is expected and any offense he gives is a bonus. That maybe true but it is also very true that in spite of the great job that Cruz has done, this team really misses Molina in a bad way. Anyone would. Hopefully they will be able to tread water in the Central until he returns.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
