San Francisco Giants Send Catcher Bengie Molina to the Texas Rangers

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The Giants sent catcher Molina and cash to the Rangers for reliever Chris Ray and a player to be named later.

The Rangers have been looking for catching help with prospects Jarrod Saltilamacchia and Taylor Teagarden having regular problems and an over-reliance on Matt Treanor.

Molina is nearing the end of his career, but is hitting .257 with 3 homers and 17 RBIs this season. He should see a bump in production with the ballpark switch. He was expendable because of the quick rise of Buster Posey, who’s been seeing time at first base. This move will allow Aubrey Huff to be the everyday first baseman and open up the outfield log jam.

Ray may not be able to crack the solid Giants bullpen; the main goal of the deal was to get Posey behind the plate. They will also receive a player to be named later, so even if Ray doesn’t pan out, they will end up with something.