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The Arizona Diamondbacks and newly-acquired infielder/outfielder Martin Prado have agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract a week after the team traded Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves. Prado’s new contract is friendly on his end, but it’s also a bargain for the Diamondbacks since Upton still had three years left on his deal that netted $38.5 million. Arizona will take the extra $1.5 million on its payroll now that it has finally gotten rid of Upton and can start planning for the future without the distraction of his possible landing spot.
Prado will enjoy the first part of being a Diamondback with the Venezuelan team in the World Baseball Classic. The 29-year-old has played every infield position during his seven-year career as well as both right and left field. However, it’s his bat that Arizona wanted; in 2012, Prado batted .301 with 10 homers and 70 RBI. He’s very consistent at the plate, which is why Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said he wanted Prado.
Arizona’s lineup has been spotty over the past few seasons, relying heavily on the long ball. Prado’s presence changes that; he led the NL with 60 multi-hit games in 2012, which is something Diamondbacks fans aren’t used to seeing, but the move to acquire Prado was made to change that.
Of course, it’s hard to replace the production of a player like Upton, but the Diamondbacks are hoping that Prado’s consistency will change the way they play ball for the better.
Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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