Martin Prado

2013

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2012

Prado's move to the outfield was a failure last season as he hit just .260/.302/.385 with 13 home runs. He did miss time in June after surgery for a staph infection in his leg, which could have impacted his performance the rest of the season. However, his move to the outfield was always risky as even at his 2010 production his bat went from being an asset in the infield to average in the outfield. Luckily, he did play 42 games at third base to still qualify at one infield position in most leagues. There are reasons to think he'll improve in 2012 as he had the same walk rate last year as 2010, reduced his strikeouts and had a low BABIP of .267. Prado was mentioned in trade rumors all winter and he could be moved if the Braves want to upgrade in left field. A trade that would move him back to second base would increase his fantasy value, so watch out for that possibility. In the meantime, he'll begin the season as Atlanta's starting left fielder.

2011

Prado continued to improve at the plate last season as he hit a career-high 15 home runs, made his first All-Star Game and finished seventh in the NL batting race. He's gone from a utility player in 2008, to regular in the lineup in 2009, to hitting in key spots (leadoff, third) in the lineup last year. Prado makes good contact and has surprising power, plus he can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield. He began last season at second base and moved to third base after Chipper Jones' knee injury. The Braves might use him in left field, where his bat will be less of an asset, but he more likely starts at third base for at least the first part of the season until Jones returns from a knee injury. He'll likely be used across the infield in any scenario. He missed the last week of September and the playoffs after suffering a hip pointer and torn oblique muscle, but is expected to be at full strength by the start of spring training. He'll qualify at second base and third base for fantasy owners wherever he ends up playing or batting in the order, and could deliver a big season in his prime at age 27 this season.

2010

Prado showed his breakout 2008 season was no fluke as he hit .307/.358/.464 with 11 home runs. He began the season in a utility role (he'll qualify at third base and first base in many leagues) but took over regular duty at second base for the second half of the season after Kelly Johnson struggled. Prado makes good contact and showed surprising power, and he enters 2010 as Atlanta's everyday second baseman.

2009

At just age 25 in 2009, it may be time to start taking Prado seriously as a possible starter even though he wasn't a highly touted prospect with his bat in the minors. He hit .346/.391/.474 once he moved into a regular role after Aug. 1. He impressed enough that the Braves considered trading Yunel Escobar or Kelly Johnson in the offseason knowing Prado could move into a starting role. He'll have upside even in a reserve role with the oft-injured Chipper Jones at third base.

2008

Prado will try to win a job as a utility infielder with Atlanta next spring. He's got a strong glove and can play second or third base, but doesn't offer much power or plate discipline. His lack of speed makes him a poor option for fantasy purposes.

2007

Late last season there was talk about Prado as a possible starter at second base, but his track record at the plate shows that wouldn't be a wise decision. He hasn't shown an ability to draw a walk and has had minimal power. He does have a good glove, however. He'll likely compete for a utility job with the Braves this spring.

2006

Prado hit .280/.354/.364 after being promoted to Double-A Mississippi last summer. He's seen as a strong fielder at second base, so he could get consideration for a big league job with a strong showing at Triple-A early next season.