This is the first in a series of posts previewing each position and the pitching staff before the start of the 2009 St. Louis Cardinals team begins the season.

While several positions on the 2009 Cardinals’ roster have not been determined yet, several are easily and by far manned – and have been for some time. One of those spots where Cardinals’ fans can expect a familiar face is at catcher, where perennial backstop Yadier Molina stills owns home plate.

Molina is known as a purely defensive catcher, but the Puerto Rico native hit a career high .304 at the plate last year. He also had career highs in at-bats (444), hits (135), RBI (56), runs (37), on-base percentage (.349) and slugging percentage (.392).

All that being said, Molina still won his first career Gold Glove award in 2008 – showing that he did not lose any of his defensive skill in finally becoming a presence at the plate.

2009 looks to continue to be a great year for Molina, as he once again has a dependable backup to give him rest and no stress when he can’t be behind the plate.