Major League Baseball

Blue Jays pick up $1.2M option on Molina

Published Oct. 28, 2010 12:37 a.m. ET

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The Toronto Blue Jays exercised their $1.2 million option for catcher Jose Molina on Wednesday, keeping the defensive specialist with the team through the 2011 season.

The 35-year-old catcher batted .246 with four doubles, a career-high six home runs and 12 RBIs in 57 games this season. He split time with All-Star John Buck behind the plate.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos called the move a ''no-brainer'' because Buck can become a free agent after a breakout season.

''We couldn't allow ourselves to be left naked at that position,'' Anthopoulos said during a conference call.

Anthopoulos spoke to Buck and his agent ahead of Wednesday's announcement. He didn't want Buck to take the move the wrong way. Anthopoulos said Buck and his agent were understanding of the move.

The Blue Jays also have top catching prospect J.P. Arencibia. The 24-year-old batted .301 with 32 homers and 85 RBIs with triple-A Las Vegas. He hit a pair of home runs among his four hits in his big league debut.

''J.P. at some point has learned everything he can in the minors and needs to be challenged in the majors,'' Anthopoulos said.

Known more for his defense than his offensive production, Molina has batted .236 with 26 home runs and 148 RBIs in his 11-year career. He spent the majority of it with the Los Angeles Angels, but has also played for the Cubs and Yankees.

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