"I just want to keep playing hard for the team"

Image from a game last season, but it's the same pic he uses now. Cute, huh?

“Tonight I went out and did my best,” said Prado, who has played most of the season with a sore groin that was wrapped with icebags late Tuesday, as it is after every game. “I’m proud for the team, that we won today. …

“Whatever the position — if Bobby wants to keep me in the lineup, that makes me feel really good. I just want to keep playing hard for the team.”

I've been trying not to get too attached to Nitram Odarp because I was convinced he was trade bait. While that might still be the case, he's playing so much better than KJ that he's won the starting second baseman job for now. Here's what some of his coaches and teammates had to say...

“He’s too hot to take out,” Cox said of Prado

"[Prado] and Blanco were in the middle of everything," [Chipper] Jones said. "They were the sole reason we got a ‘W’…. I love [Prado]. He’s a good player."

DOB: I got a couple of other great quotes about Prado that didn’t make my story.

From Lowe: “Every time he plays, he does something to help us win. Today, he carried us. He’s getting the opportunity to play and taking advantage. He’s been fantastic.”

From Moylan: “He’s awesome. Love the guy. Not only what he does on the field, but off the field. He’s a champion. No other way to describe him. He’s a great guy, and he’s a gamer. He battles.”

Here's a special video from MLB.com of Prado's special night!

There was a great interview with Martin in the official fan magazine back in October 08 -- here it is again, if you missed it. Page 1 ~ Page 2

Love ya, Martin! One day, we'll have our own handshake, ok? :D