Molina Will Be Judged on a Different Scale

ARLINGTON, Tex. —  Bengie Molina, sidelined by a slight strain of his left hamstring, ran vigorously in the outfield before Saturday night’s game, and if the Angel catcher is able to run the bases aggressively today, he will probably make his 2004 debut Monday night against the Rangers.

Molina also sat out two weeks of spring training games because of sore hamstrings, and while Manager Mike Scioscia says he doesn’t believe Molina’s problems are related to his conditioning, he acknowledged Saturday that the 5-foot-11, 230-pound catcher needed to closely monitor his weight.

“Sure, he could lose a couple of pounds, and he will, but he’s not too far off from where he needs to be,” said Scioscia, the former Dodger catcher who, like Molina, had to work harder than most to maintain his playing weight.

“He battles his weight. He does.... He’s had a terrific career so far, and I hope it’s a lot longer. He’s a big guy, and he’s performed well ... but for his long-term health, he needs to keep in tune with his body and his weight, because it can impact the length of your career.”

Molina’s work ethic is rarely questioned. Both Scioscia and General Manager Bill Stoneman have repeatedly praised Molina, 29, for his efforts in the exercise and weight room. It’s just that Molina, who is entering the final year of a contract that includes a $3-million team option for 2004, has a body type that requires more maintenance.

It’s not as if Molina, who declined to discuss his injury Saturday, hasn’t excelled despite that body type. He was won two straight Gold Glove awards, is widely respected by Angel pitchers for his game-calling and throwing ability, and he was hitting .281 with 14 home runs and 71 runs batted in when he suffered a season-ending wrist injury last Sept. 3.

“The bottom line is performance,” Scioscia said. “A player understands what he needs to do on the field, and he’s ultimately responsible for his performance. Bengie has performed very well over his career and is starting to understand the long-term benefits of keeping his body in shape.”

If Molina is deemed unfit to return by Monday, the Angels may put him on the 15-day disabled list and call up a reliever to bolster a bullpen that has already thrown 19 1/3 innings in the first five games.

The Angels don’t have a day off until April 19 and can’t afford to burn out their bullpen this early in the season. By backdating a DL stint, the Angels would have the flexibility to activate Molina whenever they wanted and an extra pitcher to eat up innings for a few days if necessary.

Meanwhile, Molina’s backup, brother Jose Molina, continues to excel -- he threw out two runners attempting to steal second Saturday night and hit a three-run triple in the fourth inning.