Re: Cardinals-Astros Matchups
As an Astro fan and a former college catcher I have to say that Molina is a much better defensive catcher. Ausmus recieves the ball better but I think a guy that throws 1.8s to 2nd, blocks everything, and recieves the ball better than most other catchers in the league is pretty good. Ausmus may be able to handle the game better in regards to pitch selection/game management but honestly there were three steals in that game 4 in Hou vs. Atl that really could have cost the Astros the game because Ausmus throwing 2.00 to second doesn't cut it with some of our slower delivery guys on the mound, ie Lidge. A stolen base in late innings can make the difference in the game.
Outside of Taveras not many guys on our roster have the ability to even try to take a bag on Molina. He shuts down the running game.
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