Martin Prado posted by Yankees Fan

Since July 2014, Martin Prado plays for the New York Yankees. Born in Venezuela on October 27, 1983, Prado played professional baseball in his country. He made his first appearance in major league baseball in 2006, when he played for Atlanta Braves. He scored his first home run in the same season against Philadelphia Phillies. During the season, he played 24 games, scoring 9 RBIs and a home run.

Martin Prado had the longest stint with the Atlanta Braves, playing of them from 2006 to 2012. An interesting incident in 2007 season was Prado hitting the ball, and when he dropped his bat to go to the first base, the bat was standing upright. In 2009, Prado was the starter for the Braves at second base, and he made the maximum from this opportunity, by scoring 49 RBIs, 14 home runs for the season. The 2010 season was one of the best for his career, where he scored a grand slam against the Milwaukee Brewers, and was the top hitter of the major league with 121.

After the end of 2012 season, Prado was traded with other players by the Atlanta Braves to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the 2013 season, Prado managed 82 RBIs, 36 doubles, and 14 home runs in 155 games. The 2014 season started with Prado scoring for the Diamondbacks 42 RBIs, and 5 home runs; however, by July 2014, he was traded for Peter O'Brien, a catching prospect from New York Yankees. Prado was able to score a center field base hit for his new team, which was crucial in defeating the Chicago White Sox. He has played 37 games for the Yankees, scoring 16 RBIs and 7 home runs. However, by mid September, Prado had to undergo an appendectomy, which ended his season. 

The best Shortstops in New York Yankee history posted by Chris

The best Shortstops in New York Yankee history Shortstop may be the most important defensive position - after catcher - on a baseball field. Quickness, speed, the ability to cover a lot of ground, and a strong accurate arm are essential. Going into the hole to backhand the ball and then throw out the runner at first, and being able to turn the double play consistently, are also important. The Yankees have had some pretty good shortstops, and some have been impressive contributors on offense as well.

5) Roger Peckinpaugh: From 1913-1921 Peckinpaugh played in 1,219 games at shortstop for New York. He has a career batting average of .257 with 143 stolen bases with the team, and his .949 fielding percentage is higher than the league average of .940 for that time period.

4) Tony Kubek: Playing in 882 games at short during his nine years with the Yanks, Kubek averaged .266 while contributing to three World Series titles in the late 1950's and early 1960's. A three time All Star, his .966 fielding percentage and 5.09 range factor are higher than the league's averages of .962 and 4.89.
3) Frank Crosetti: A two time All Star, Crosetti played 1,516 games at the position in 17 years. A member of six World Championship teams in the 1930's and early 1940's, he led American League shortstops with .968 fielding percentage in 1939. His 792 walks rank tenth all-time on the Yankees, and his 1,006 runs scored place him eleventh in that category.

2) Phil Rizzuto: A member of baseball's Hall of Fame, the 1950 American League MVP was selected to five All Star teams. Rizzuto played in 1,647 games in 13 seasons with the Yankees. The shortstop on seven World Championship teams, he has a career batting average of .273 with an on base percentage of .351 and 149 stolen bases.
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The best Catchers in New York Yankee history posted by Chris

The best Catchers in New York Yankee history Most teams favor having a player with top notch defensive skills behind the plate. The Yankees have had some steady defensive players who also helped their pitching staffs by calling a good game; fortunately for the team these five catchers were dominant offensive players as well.

5) Elston Howard: Howard caught 1,029 games in 13 years with the Yanks, batting .279, hitting 161 home runs and driving in 733 runs while contributing to four World Championships in the 1950's and 1960's.

4) Jorge Posada: A five time All Star, Posada caught 1,574 games while contributing to Yankee World Championships in 1998, '99, and 2000. In a 16 year career he batted .273 with 275 homers and 1,065 RBI's, and is seventh in Yankee history with 379 doubles.

3) Thurman Munson: Winner of the 1970 Rookie of the Year Award, and named the American League MVP in 1976, Munson led the Yankees to three pennants and two World Championships. A seven time All Star selection and winner of three Gold Gloves, in his career Munson threw out 44% of baserunners attempting to steal (better than Johnny Bench's 43%). He also hit .373 and drove in 12 runs in 16 World Series games. The first Yankee captain since Lou Gehrig, Munson caught 1,278 games in eleven seasons. Had a .292 career batting average and was recognized by pitchers for his ability to call a great game.

2) Bill Dickey: An eleven time All Star, Dickey's .313 batting average places him seventh in Yankee history. His 1,209 RBI's rank eighth and 1,969 hits are good for ninth. In 17 years Dickey caught 1,708 games, the most in team history, while contributing to seven world championships in the 1930's and early 1940's.
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The best Right Fielders in New York Yankee history posted by Chris

The best Right Fielders in New York Yankee history Right field may be a position where kids in sandlot games try to hide someone who isn't a great player, but that isn't true in professional baseball. There have been many great offensive and defensive players at the position, and the Yankees have had some good ones. Here are the top five in their history.

5) Dave Winfield: A Hall of Famer who spent nine of his twenty two years in the majors with the Yankees, Winfield played 719 games in right field. He was named to eight All Star games and won five Gold Gloves while in New York.

4) Hank Bauer: Appearing in 1,196 games in right field during his 12 years with the team, Bauer hit .277 with 158 home runs and 654 RBI's in his Yankee career. He was a three time All Star, and contributed to seven World Series titles in the 1950's.

3) Tommy Heinrich: A five time All Star, contributing to four World Series championships in the late 1930's and 1940's, Heinrich batted .282 with 183 homers and 795 RBI's in his eleven year Yankee career. He led American League right fielders in 1942 and 1946 with fielding percentages of .987 and .992, and his 11 assists in 1947 also led the league.

2) Paul O'Neill: Playing in over 1,200 games in right field during his nine years with the Yankees, O'Neill batted .303 with 185 home runs and 858 runs batted in. A steady defensive player with a strong arm, he was a key player on the 1996, '98, '99, and 2000 World Series teams.

1) Babe Ruth: Playing 1,128 games in right field during 15 years with the Yankees (he also played left field, and pitcher) Ruth is first in Yankee history in a number of hitting categories, including: batting average, .349; on base percentage, .484; slugging percentage, .711; runs scored, 1,959; total bases, 5,131; home runs, 659; and walks, 1,852. He is second in RBI's with 1,971. In 36 World Series games with the team Ruth batted .348, hit 15 home runs, and had 30 RBI's. What else can you say about someone who may be the game's greatest player ever?
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The best First Basemen in New York Yankee history posted by Chris

The best first basemen in New York Yankee history Some people have said, "Anybody can play first base."  But that's not really true, there's more to the position than some fans think. A first baseman needs good hands, quick feet, agility, and the ability to make split second decisions on plays such as bunts and cutoffs. Let's not forget the skill of scooping infielders' bad throws out of the dirt. All of these can save a team runs, and sometimes can mean the difference between a win and a loss. The Yankees have had some great hitters at the position, and several have also been outstanding defensive players. Here are the top five in franchise history.

5) Chris Chambliss: A Gold Glove winner in 1978 when he led all first basemen in the American League with a .997 fielding percentage, Chambliss compiled a .282 batting average during his seven years and 885 games with the team. He had 90 or more RBI's for three consecutive seasons and hit perhaps the most legendary home run in Yankee history, a blast that came in the bottom of the ninth inning in the seventh game of the 1976 American League Championship Series, giving New York its first pennant in 12 years.

4) Tino Martinez: In 1,054 games in seven years with the Yankees, Martinez drove in over 100 runs in five seasons. A key member on the World Series championship teams in 1996, '98, '99, and 2000, he came up with a number of big hits in important games and was steady defensively.

3) Bill Skowron: A five time All Star, Skowron appeared in 1,087 games during nine years with the Yankees, contributing to championship titles in 1956, 1958, 1961, and 1962. In 35 World Series games he hit .283 with 7 home runs and 26 RBI's.
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The best Left Fielders in New York Yankee history posted by Chris

The best Left Fielders in New York Yankee history The Yankees have had a number of good outfielders in franchise history, with many playing more than one spot. But who are the best left fielders? I took a look at who played the most games at the position, and put up good offensive as well as defensive numbers. Contribution to championship teams was also taken into consideration when ranking the players. Here are the top five Yankee Left Fielders of all time:

5) Lou Piniella: Playing in over 450 games in left field during his eleven seasons, Piniella was a decent fielder with a strong arm. He was a .295 hitter during his time with the Yankees and produced a number of key hits in crucial games while contributing to World Series titles in 1977 and 1978.

4) Hideki Matsui: Matsui manned left field in over 550 games for New York. He was steady defensively, and averaged .284 while driving in over 100 runs in four seasons during his seven years with the Yanks. Matsui was named the MVP of the 2009 World Series.

3) Bob Meusel: Playing 626 games in left field from 1920 to 1929 (he also played right field and third base for a total of 1,294 games in his Yankee career), Meusel contributed to three World Series titles. He ranks eighth all time on the Yankees with a .311 batting average; is tenth with 338 doubles; and twelfth 1,005 RBI.

2) Charlie Keller: Keller played in 870 games in left field during eleven seasons with the Yankees, from 1939-1949. His on-base percentage of .410 ranks fourth in team history, behind only Ruth, Gehrig, and Mantle. He is also eighth in slugging percentage with a .518 average, and his .982 fielding percentage in left is higher than the league average of .974 at the time. Keller also drove in 18 runs in 19 World Series games, contributing to three titles.
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The best Center Fielders in New York Yankee history posted by Chris

The best Center Fielders in New York Yankee history Centerfielders in baseball are usually players who have the best combination of speed and a strong throwing arm among the three outfielders, since they have to cover the most ground and make throws from different areas in the field. The Yankees have had many great players at the position, so let's take a look at the best in their history. As it turns out these five are also the top five in games played in centerfield.

5) Bobby Murcer: Playing in 754 games in center field during 13 seasons with the team, Murcer won a Gold Glove at the position in 1972, and was named to four All Star teams. Hit .278 with 175 home runs and 687 RBI's in his Yankee career.

4) Earle Combs: Batting leadoff for great Yankee teams in the 1920's and early 1930's, Combs was one reason for Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig's massive RBI totals - he was on base often. Ranks third in Yankee history (behind only Ruth and Gehrig) with a .325 batting average, and his outstanding .397 career on base percentage is eighth all time. Is the team's single season leader in triples with 23 in 1927, and ranks second all time in team history with 154 triples as well as seventh in runs scored with 1,186. In 1927 Combs led the American League in hits with 231, which is second in team history for a single season. Batting .350 in 16 World Series games and a member of three world championship teams, this Hall of Famer played in 1,157 games in center during his 12 year career.

3) Bernie Williams: A five time All Star and winner of four Gold Gloves while playing 1,857 games in center field, Williams contributed to four World Championship titles. In Yankee history he ranks third in doubles with 449, fifth in hits with 2,336, sixth in runs scored with 1,366, sixth in RBI's with 1,257, and seventh in home runs with 287.
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The best Third Basemen in New York Yankee history posted by Chris

The best Third Basemen in New York Yankee history The third base position in baseball is called the 'hot corner' because when a right handed batter pulls the ball he's got a lot of power behind it, and the ball gets to the third baseman very fast. A player who is great defensively will stand out at third base, and the Yankees have had several at the position. Here are the top five:

5) Scott Brosius: Appearing in 540 games during four years with the team, his .956 fielding percentage was better than the league average of .950 during his playing career. He was a decent hitter, with a .267 average and driving in about 70 runs a year. Brosius held down third base during the Yankees three consecutive World Series championships from 1998-2000.

4) Clete Boyer: An excellent fielder who led the American League's third basemen in range factor each season from 1961-66, Boyer appeared in 1,068 games during eight years with the Yankees. He was a steady player on championship teams in the early 1960's.

3) Red Rolfe: Playing his entire ten years, 1,175 games, in the majors with the Yankees, Rolfe was a fixture at third during the team's championship seasons in the 1930's. He batted a respectable .289 with an on-base percentage of .360 during his career. Rolfe's fielding average of .956 was higher than the league average of .943.

2) Alex Rodriguez: Appearing in 1,181 games in nine years with the team, Rodriguez has put up big numbers even during what were considered down years for him. Winner of three MVP awards with the Yankees, he has also been a good defensive player, with his .965 fielding average above the .956 league average for the same time.
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The Best Second Basemen in New York Yankee History posted by Chris

One of the keys to championship baseball in the major leagues is the double play. Since the second baseman is involved in more double plays than anyone else, this is a pretty important position.

A second baseman who can play great defense as well as hit for power and/or average can make a good team great, since the best hitters tend to play other positions. The Yankees have had their share of second basemen who were excellent hitters as well as top-notch fielders.

Based on factors such as longevity with the team, contributions to championships, offensive statistics, and defensive statistics, here are the top five in franchise history:

5) Joe Gordon: Selected to the Hall of Fame in 2009 by the Veterans Committee, Gordon played 1,000 games at second base during his seven seasons with the Yanks, from 1938-1946 (missing two seasons while serving in the military during World War II). Named an all star for six consecutive years, Gordon won the MVP award in 1942 when he batted .322 with 18 home runs and 103 runs batted in. Gordon's fielding average was .970, about the same as the league average at the time of .971.

4) Robinson Cano: He may be at the top of this list by the time his career is over, if he stays in pinstripes. Cano has proven to be a durable player, appearing in 1,018 games since his 2005 debut, and never in less than 159 in a season for the past five years. A .308 lifetime batter, he has also hit for power, averaging 22 homers and 96 RBI's a year. A three time all star and Gold Glove winner in 2010, his .985 career fielding average is on par with the league average of .985 and his range factor of 5.05 is higher than the league average of 4.88 for second basemen.

The Detroit TIgers Must Approach This April Like the Playoffs posted by Joe Halstead

It is said- and correctly so- that while a pennant may not be won in April, a pennant may be lost in April.

On this note, the Detroit Tigers have immediate cause for concern. Their early schedule- in the month of April alone- includes two more games against Boston, a three-game home series with the Tampa Bay Rays (April 10-12), a four-game home series against the American League Champion Texas Rangers (April 19-22) and, just to pour a bucket of salt water over the wounds incurred, a three-game series in the Bronx Apr. 27-29.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland is known for using his entire roster liberally. OFers Clete Thomas and Andy Dirks, and 2Bmen Danny Worth, Ramon Santiago and, eventually, Brandon Inge, might see significant playing time.

But, should they?

The Tigers made substitutions in the 2011 post-season out of necessity. They were beat up, and running out of players. Luckily, some of those substitutes stepped up in a big way, such as UT Don Kelly and Santiago.

However, the Tigers are at nearly 100% health, and they need their front line to do battle with the American League's best. 

So, here's hoping that Leyland doesn't tinker with his team too much. Obviously, he wants OF Delmon Young to continue what he's been doing for the Tigers since last August, which is to drive in runs. Surely, Leyland would also like to see one of his second basemen grab the brass ring. So far, all we have are multiple second basemen who play competently enough to hit .250 and turn the double play when necessary.

Ah, maybe, that is, until now. 2B/OF Ryan Raburn had the Spring Training of his life, batting over .400 for a stretch, eventually cooling a bit to a .268 average. However, he still slugged .661, having hit 6 HRs, 2 2Bs and a 3B. That accounts for nine of his 15 hits in the spring.

Watch Live: Ichiro's quest for 3,000 hits continues in Free Game of the Day (Big Lea

It’s only a matter of time now before Ichiro Suzuki becomes the 30th player to notch 3,000 hits in Major League Baseball. The 42-year-old outfielder will enter Sunday’s game against the New York Mets with 2,996 hits, meaning Ichiro could easily reach the milestone this week. Unfortunately, Ichiro is not in the Marlins lineup on Sunday, but his pursuit of 3,000 still adds a whole new level of intrigue to an already important game, which we’re happy to say will be featured as the Free Game of the Day on Yahoo Sports. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

The Chicago Cubs have acquired hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman in a trade with the New York Y

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs have acquired hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman in a trade with the New York Yankees. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Cardinals arrive in New York at 8:30 am after flight delay (The Associated Press)

The St. Louis Cardinals did not arrive at their hotel in New York until 8:30 a.m. Monday after a flight delay that followed a nationally televised night game. St. Louis' 9-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Sunday night's ESPN game lasted 3 hours, 49 minutes, and ended shortly before 11 p.m. CDT. The plane taking the Cardinals to New York did not land in St. Louis on time because of weather, causing the team to remain in its clubhouse for several hours. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Astros prospect Bregman gets call to majors year out of LSU (The Associated Press)

It was just over a year ago that Alex Bregman finished his career at LSU. Bregman made his big league debut for the Astros on Monday night against the New York Yankees after flying through the minors. ''It's been a fun last year,'' Bregman said before the game. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Cubs get closer Aroldis Chapman in trade with Yankees (The Associated Press)

The Chicago Cubs acquired hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman in a trade with the New York Yankees on Monday, giving the NL Central leaders a boost as they try for their first World Series title in more than a century. The Cubs paid a steep price, parting with top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres and versatile pitcher Adam Warren in the four-player package going to the Yankees. Chapman also faced a domestic violence allegation in the offseason that cost him a 29-game suspension, and the left-hander is eligible for free agency after this year. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports