Molina surprised by Shildt firing: There were no problems in clubhouse

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was caught off guard by manager Mike Shildt's firing.

"It took me by surprise," Molina said during a press conference in Puerto Rico on Saturday, according to multiple Spanish-language newspapers, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I obviously have a lot of confidence with (Shildt). ... We had very good communication. We went to the playoffs three times in four years.

"Maybe there was some problem between him and the management. I can't give you reasons, but from what I know inside the clubhouse, there wasn't any kind of problem."

On Thursday, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Shildt was let go because of a "philosophical difference."

Players, coaches, and other members of the organization were stunned and confused by the decision, sources told Goold. The 53-year-old skipper was reportedly fired over the phone and wasn't expecting to lose his job. He had one year left on his contract.

Shildt led the Cardinals to a wild-card berth this season. St. Louis' 90-win campaign was sparked by a franchise-best 17-game win streak in September.