Molina: Becoming Cardinals player-manager 'would be a dream'

Coach Yadi?

While in Washington for this week's All-Star Game, veteran catcher Yadier Molina was asked about the idea of becoming a player-manager during the final year of his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2020 - and he appears to be very interested.

"For any player, that would be a dream to be considered for such a role," Molina told ESPN's Marly Rivera. "It would be a dream. I'm not shutting the door to anything. I am very open. Of course, maybe I would like to spend some time with my family first. But if such an opportunity comes up, obviously I would accept it."

The 36-year-old Molina is widely considered one of baseball's best backstops after receiving eight Gold Gloves to date during his 15-year career, which has included 1,778 appearances behind the plate - all for the Cardinals.

During that span, Molina has earned the respect of his teammates, who reach out to the veteran in times of need.

"Of course a lot of the players in that clubhouse have respect for me and talk to me about everything," he said. "So with my experience, I certainly try to help them, to make things easier for everyone. My main role is to help the team.

"And I love that role. And I love that my teammates feel comfortable coming to me."

Molina also discussed former Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, who was fired over the weekend after six-and-a-half seasons in charge with the team sitting at 48-46 and outside of the playoff picture.

"The fact that he lost his job, as a ballplayer I feel bad, because it's my fault," Molina said. "Managers don't play. We the players play. But we understand that's baseball. Ups and downs, and now I'm focused to work with my new manager to win this season."