Looking forward to the second half
I know I’ve been away from these pages for a while, and I apologize. The blog kind of fell through the cracks at the end of the first half of the season. But I’ve had a few days off during the All-Star break, and I feel like I have a second wind and can’t wait to get back on the field.
My girls flew out from Yuma to spend the week with my girlfriend Jamie and me. They’ve been out many times since I joined the Giants last year, but we never did all the tourist things. So we went ice skating at Yerba Buena, flew kites on the Marina Green, rented those little Go-Cars on Hyde Street and drove them — Jamie and Kyshly (who’s 13) in one car, Kelssy (who’s 9) and me in the other — through the Marina, down to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge (where we saw a dolphin in the bay), through the Presidio to Baker Beach and Sea Cliff. We had clam chowder in bread bowls at the Wharf. We went to Ripley’s Believe It or Not, bought souvenirs like Kelssy’s “Alcatraz Psyche Ward Outpatient” jacket.
Most nights we spent at our home in the Marina playing Scrabble and Boggle and Rummy and taking our 10-month-old Samoyed dog, Chico, for walks.
Now it’s back to business.
I look back at the first half of the season feeling really lucky that we’re in the division we’re in. We’re still only seven games out of first place, despite the number of games we lost. It’s a great opportunity for us to come back. We have a great shot at winning this thing. I really believe that. And here’s why.
First, we didn’t play horribly in the first half. We were in a lot of those games we lost. There were games that could have gone either way. We have a lot of young players in the big leagues for the first time. They’ve gained a lot of experience these past few months and should have their feet wet now. They made some mistakes that young players are always going to make. But in truth, we all made mistakes. It wasn’t just one guy or another. So I think we’ll make few mistakes overall, and in part that’s because we have had the first half to come together as a team.
So that’s the second thing: We are a tight team. We’ve developed trust in each other. That’s how you become a team. You trust each other. If one guy is down, he taps the guy next to him to pick him up. Then it’s OK, let’s go. Not one guy has to be the hero. If one person tries to do it all himself, you’re not going to win.
As for our pitching, I think the main thing is we have to improve location on the fastball. But we have a great staff — an All-Star in Timmy, All-Star skills in Zito and Cain, and developing All-Stars in Sanchez and Correia. And in the bullpen, same thing: We need to locate the fastball.
I know some of you have lost confidence in Zito, but I have to tell you that what I’ve been seeing the last few weeks has been great. Don’t look at the numbers. Just look at how he’s pitching. He’s been giving us a chance to win every time. He’s a true professional and he’s going to be fine.
One tough thing in the last few weeks was watching Holmy get sent down to Fresno. He earned a spot in Spring Training and he earned it how he played this season. He played really great, but things don’t always work out the way you expect. Alfonzo’s a great guy, too — this is no rap on him. But you get accustomed to one guy’s style and personality and you develop a relationship and then he’s just gone. It’s one of the things about pro baseball that maybe you never get used to.
People ask if I set goals for myself for the second half of the season. I never set personal goals. I think they can do more harm than good. For one thing, you can put a lot of pressure on yourself when you fall behind your goals. Let’s say you set a goal at the beginning of the season to have 100 RBIs and you only have 50 with a month to go. The last two years in a row I had 19 home runs with a week and a half to go. I tried to hit that last one but having that kind of focus on a single thing takes away from the game as a whole.
It’s a team game. You have to play every day to win, not to add to your own numbers. I know the reality is that people — and management — look at the numbers. That’s how you’re measured. But hopefully they’ll also look at how you play with all your heart every single day. Hopefully, they recognize all the things that don’t show up in your individual numbers — all the little things you do to help the team’s chances of winning.
Thanks for continuing to leave your kind comments even while I wasn’t writing. OK, if I have one goal for the second half — breaking my own rule of no personal goals — it’s to be better about updating my blog…
Behind the Mask 
Hi Bengie!Thanks for updating your Blog!I hope the 2nd half of the season is a great one for you guys!I hope the bullpen finds the fastball!You and the rest of the Giants are all an amzing group of people!Hopefully one day I will get the privledge to meet you all!Take care!!Good luck in all of your future games!Bye!=)!!
Happy Birthday!
Hi Bengie! It looks like you had a nice break with your family. I hope you are able to enjoy your birthday this weekend!
Hey Bengie,
I just want to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Believe it or not my birthday is just the day after yours, I am a bit older though. Happy birthday and good luck to you the Giants.
Great blog too. As long as you keep writing blogs I will keep reading them. I esp. like reading about you family and your opions on how everything is going with the Giants.
Hey Bengie,
I do agree with you about Zito and the rest of the pitching staff. Locating their fastballs will greatly improve the rest of their pitches. I was a little broken up when Holmy got sent down to Fresno, but i feel that playing on a consistent basis will help him in the long run.
I saw Zito win against the Dodgers, what an exciting game. It took an hour to get out of the parking lot. I was seated on the wall above the BofA sign in right center.
I have to let you in on something, when ever my new born comes to the games, you guys win. but whenever i dont bring him you lose.
that is my little superstition. against the padres on april 9th, against the Phillys on may 10th, against the Mets on June 2nd, against the Dodgers on July 5th. Unfortunately having a newborn limits me to affording only one game a month. Our next two games are on august 19th against the Marlins and september 28th against the Dodgers.
will still watch every game on CSN or MLB.tv when we can not attend.
I also agree with you that we are still contendors for the division this year. I have recently acquired a pin from the 2002 WS celebrating the Giants victory, as well as a clubhouse collection hat celebrating the giants victory, as we all know you andd the angels won that series, but for me having this two pieces history are priceless. I also have an on field cap from that series.
I also want to send a card i found to Omar, it is his rookie from Seattle when he was a teenager. He is so young in the picture.
Can you tell Brian Wilson that I love Dropkick, and the fact that “Shipping up to Boston” plays every time he comes into save the game warms my Irish heart. Even if it is the new anthem for the Red Sox. maybe he should have the Flogging Mollys “drunken lullabies” play?
thanks for all excitement
Daniel B
Morgan Hill, ca
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Bengie!
Sounds like you enjoyed your AllStar break. Makes it a little easier to deal with the fact that you should have been there… for me at least. 🙂
Second half started out rough, but I guess that’s how it’s going to look for awhile, if they are “going young”. It’s sad to see Ray move on, and Holm get sent back down. Holm seemed to be doing pretty well. I guess it’s all a business, but as a fan I get the luxury of not being too happy about it all! haha IMO, if I wanted to watch all young players, I’d go to the minor leagues and check out their games. I’m not real ready to get rid of all our veterans in order to go young.
Good luck this week and I look forward to reading your next blog. You give awesome insight and I love reading it! Thanks!!
Sue
Feliz cumpleaños morenazo de… Pakita, Mama Yoli, Alex , Ana & yo… espero tus sueños se hayan cumplido hasta el dia de hoy asi que los que estan pendientes se lleven a cabo… ” La vida esta llena de alegrias, tristezas y sorpresas , mas sin embargo el mas grande escudo que tenemos ante la misma son las personas que nos rodean con un amor sincero , honesto y sobre todo eterno. Si existen en tu vida estas personas eres el hombre mas afortunado del mundo ya que ni el mas grande tesoro seria equivalente a esto. Si te tuviera enfrente un inmenso beso y abrazo te daria para darte un pedazo de mi corazon , y supieras que existe alguien quien inexistente a tu vida te admira”. Feliz cumple y excelente trabajo en tu juego de All-Stars…Disfruta a tus bebitas, que son preciosas… Love and kisses
Belated Happy Birthday, Bengie! I’m glad you had a great time with your family. I would have liked to have seen you in the All-Star Game, though. Someday, maybe. Perhaps we will finally see all 3 Molina brothers in the ASG one year in the future.
Hey Bengie! That’s good you were able to spend time with your family during your break, sounds like you had an amazing time. It was a bummer to find out you didn’t make the all-stars, but in my eyes, you are an all-star!
Happy Belated Birthday to you!!
It’s great to hear from you and good luck on tomorrows game!!
Renee
Do yu think that Zito will have a resurgence in the second haff? Can approach anywhere near his Cy Young caliber performances? When is the last time he was able to hit 90 mph? Is this a thing of the past? Thank you, and happy Birthday.
Rick
Bengie, you truly are a standup guy. Thank you for giving me an honest reply regarding your weight and its possible effect on your running.
I remember Yogi Berra; he had “catcher’s legs” too.
All of the best.
Woohoo!!!! NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN ABOUT!!!! NOT ONE BUT TWO HOMERS….YOU WERE SO DUE!!!!
GOOD LUCK ON TOMORROWS GAME.
♥ Renee♥
Great game today Bengie! The two homers you hit tonight were awesome. What a great way to start off the series. I’m glad that you had a good time hanging out with your family during the break. Sounds like you had a lot of fun. Good luck in tomorrow’s game!
Hi Bengie or should I say “Big Money Molina”!=)
The amazing two homeruns that you hit today were incredible!!!It was awesome!!Happy late birthday Bengie!!You are an amazing catcher!!I’m really happy because when you were talking to Amy you said you were really happy about how this game went!I’m still a little sad about Ray getting signed with the Brewers.He will always be a Giant to me no matter what team he is on.Does it feel different when one of the Giants gets singed to a different team like how Durham did today?Take Care Bengie!!I wish you all of the luck in the world in all of your future games!I hope to meet you and your teammates soon!Take Care!Bye!!You are the best!=)
~Love Always~Yourkiah~ a.k.a your biggest fan!~Go Giants!=)
Hey Bengie~
Congratulations on a great game last night! Your interview showed a lot of heart. I’m just glad you got your sweet swing back and can feel better, for yourself. We all know you try 110% every time you’re out there and I guess sometimes trying to hard can work against you. Keep up the great work and thanks for all you do!
Always,
Sue
It’s nice to see that players also “feel the pain” when teammates are traded/assigned, etc. I have come to dread the yearly trade deadline – wondering which of my favorites may be leaving. Everyone always says “that’s baseball,” but it hurts nonetheless. While I love the Giants as a team – you count as one of my personal favorites – and I love to watch you play. You bring so much spirit and enthusiasm to this team. Keep up the great work.
Dear Bengie (and fantastic family) !
First bursts of joy – got Holmy back!! Things are really looking up!
Your descriptions of the “tourist things” are first rate and give us Giant’s fans some good ideas about what to do before and after a game. It also makes us feel good that you can have quality time with your family and enjoy your life in San Francisco.
We’re with the other fans in the blog and you: The trades and reassignments have been hard to swallow.
But your play has been out of this world!
Thanks again for sharing! Thanks for being the best catcher in the world!
Hey Bengie~
Tough couple of losses, but great job trying to keep your pitchers heads in the game. Your words to Jonathan Sanchez were true, and I think he’ll listen and take them to heart.
Keep up the awesome work! It’ll all pay off… I have faith. I’m also hoping that you’re a Giant for the long haul – we need your heart and your skills!
Good luck today,
Sue
Hey Benjie!
My name is Becky, and I am a HUGE fan of Yadi’s! But I like watching all of you guys! Didn’t know you had a birthday too, so happy Birthday a little late! July must be Molina birthday month!
I try to follow you guys and the Yankees too, but I’m usually busy with the Cards. Yeah, you guys are definitely hangin in there so the second half of the season should be interesting.
I’ll tell you that there is a big contingent of Yadi fans here in St. Louis and surrounding areas that want to know things like, did you and Jose beat up on poor little brother when you guys were kids? Or just shoo him off when he wanted to hang out with you?! It’s tough bein the baby!
Did you find out if your Mom yelled at him for yelling at that umpire?
Anyway, good luck in the second half, and I’m gonna echo somebody earlier that said hope we see all 3 of you in the All-Star Game soon! ~Becky
hey benjie–it really sucked that you didnt get into the all-star game. believe it or not–i voted just over 200 times with all of my friends emails to try to get you in. it must be rigged 😉
anyway, im glad that you used that time to spend with family 🙂
also, another thing–i love watching the other team try to steal bases. because every time, you make get them out. 🙂
Hi Bengie!
Hope you enjoyed your day off in San Diego! Just wanted to say that I’m really glad you didn’t get traded, and hope you’ll be with us for a long time. We need you and I’m pretty sure you like being here. 🙂 Hope your hits fall in San Diego… you were hitting it hard in LA, just had some bad breaks. Go get ’em in SD!
Sue
Hi Bengie,
It is great for you to communicate with the fans like this. I wish more players would do it. I think we all would like to get to know players better, about their personal lives and their personalities. I am SO glad you weren’t traded. It must be difficult to hear the rumors going around. I know it is a business but you have meant so much to the young staff and to make changes at catcher doesn’t seem prudent. You also seem like a quiet leader and hopefully management places value on that. Let Sandoval develop for a while. And the new guy, he’s just a kid!! Been a Giant’s fan since they moved here in 1958 and will be for life, thick or thin. Went to Ball Dude camp a while ago and was practically in tears as I trotted around the AT&T surface and looked up at the stands. Keep grinding my friend and thanks for the chance to communicate with you. All the best, J
I am more then a little disgruntled at the idea of Sabean considering you on the chopping block. I understand that this is how the game goes. But you have brought up these young pitchers, you know them, they know you. although you in NY with your littlest brother (jose) would have been a great duo, but NY choose pudge instead.
I hope to hear some comment in this regards in your next post, and hopefully it wont b your last!
Daniel B.
Morgan Hill, CA.
Hey Bengie!
Sorry about todays loss, but you know that Houston got a big break when Lincecum got hit….I just hope that Lincecum is going to be okay. And of course I hope that you’re okay…..You were hit on yesterdays game and twice today….poor baby!! But like always you show your dedication and continue to play. Don’t even trip on today’s loss the most important thing is that your pitcher is good and there’s always tomorrow….♥Renee♥
Hi Bengie!!!! I am a big fan of you and your brothers. I am wondering what your pre game routine is? Thanks.
Hey Bengie!
Great few games…. you’re the man!! Keep up the great work!
Sue
WHOOHOO! Another great game Bengie! Way to go — watch out Rockies! 🙂
–Sue
Thank you for sharing the pictures! Your daughters are beautiful!