Chicago Cubs: What if Kris Bryant and Yadier Molina got in a brawl?

Molina versus Bryant

Not long ago, Molina made some derogatory comments about Bryant on social media site, Instagram. Bryant was in front of an audience on a talk show at the Cubs convention, entertaining a crowd. During his interview on the show, Bryant joked that ‘St. Louis is boring,’ which Molina took offense, although he was taking the comment out of context.  Molina wrote on Instagram:

All stars, elite players and leaders of their teams do not speak bad about any city. There should be respect and you should play and compete with respect… only stupid players and losers make comments like the ones made by Bryant and Dempster ..

So what would happen if these two went at it in a big game, who would win the bout? How could it even happen? Most big fights start with that spark…

This is how I picture it happening. Bryant comes up in the batting order for the Cubs, and Molina is catching. As Bryant makes his way to the plate, Molina says something under his breath to the effect of Bryant being a loser, or scared or not an ‘elite player.’ Bryant will say something back but will get in the batter’s box trying to concentrate (2019 – focus – hits).  Molina, being the more senior and professional of the two brawlers, will call for Bryant to be hit by an inside pitch (typical) but the pitch will just miss him. Molina will laugh at Bryant and then Major League Brawl I begins! Let’s break down the stats.

Breaking down the Big League Bout

To be honest, if Molina is so elite, as he claims, he should know the stats.  If he knows the stats, then he really should keep his mouth shut about who is stupid and a loser. First, the six foot five inch Bryant has half a foot height advantage on the five foot eleven inch Molina.  Giant-Bryant, like an assassin shooting from an elevated perch, could use height to his advantage as he picks the spots to land his punches on the Molina’s face.

The height advantage goes to Bryant.

Although they are both pretty close to ideal weight for their athletic frames, any professional boxer will tell you, for quick fights, like the kind during a ball game, having more weight is an advantage. However, if the bout were to go on for a long time, the thinner guy has the edge.  Bryant is sitting at 230 pounds, while Molina is just over 200 at 205 pounds. When the first push comes, Bryant can make Molina go flying.

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The weight advantage goes to Bryant.

Bryant and Molina are both right-handed, so there is no advantage or disadvantage for either player in the angle of throwing punches. However, both players can throw the ball hard as Molina has a powerful throw to second base and Bryant can throw lightning from third to first base. The difference in those arms is that Molina’s arm is 37 years old, while Bryant’s arm is almost 10 years younger at 27 years old.

The advantage of youth and strength goes to Bryant.

While in most of polite society, Bryant’s good nature would earn him points, here at the Brawl, it is a disadvantage. While I believe most of what comes out of Molina’s mouth is more talk than walk, his bark can make you step back if you are not mentally ready for the bout. Any good fighter will tell you that the psychological game is almost as important as the fight itself. With Molina coming out on the attack against Bryant, the psych-game goes to Molina.

The advantage of the psychological attack goes to Molina.

About the only way I can see Molina winning a fight against Kris Bryant is if he cheats, and I wouldn’t put it past him to try. He would try to get some tar in Bryant’s eye off his catcher’s vest or something similar. For sure he would yell a lot, but it wouldn’t be enough to secure the aging catcher a fighting victory. Tell me I’m wrong Mr. Molina (you know how to use Instagram!).

Winner of Major League Brawl I: Kris Bryant in less than a minute.

If you enjoyed this Major League Brawl preview, look out for future brawls like Milwaukee Brewer outfielder Ryan Braun versus Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and San Francisco Giants Pitcher Madison Bumgarner versus Chicago Cubs utility David Bote.

Remember,

Brawl on!