We've gotten word from what we believe to be a credible source that the Rays have signed catcher Jose Molina. With Kelly Shoppach's option not picked up the team is in need of another reliable defensive backstop. John Jaso and Robinson Chirinos are still under contract but neither is known for his defensive prowess.
A career backup, Molina was dead weight with the bat until 2011. Buoyed by a .363 batting average on balls in play he hit .281/.342/.415 in 55 games for Toronto. However, before last season he had only posted an on base percentage of +.300 one time in the past eight years. On a more positive note, Molina was the best at framing pitches per Mike Fast's excellent research at Baseball Prospectus. In our recent Q&A with Andrew Friedman he stressed the importance of catching.
We'll post more updates as they become available.