2014 MLB Playoffs: Latino Baseball Players to Watch During Postseason
With the 2014 Major League Baseball Playoffs underway, many eyes are on the Latin American talent that surrounds the game today.
With Hispanic Heritage Month being celebrated, Latin Post lists the most notable Latin American born players remaining in the playoffs:
Victor Martinez
Venezuela has never been a stranger to baseball. Victor Martinez had another great season with a career-high 32 home runs this year. Martinez also batted in 103 runs for his Detroit Tigers. The Tigers finished 90-72, good enough for first place in the American League Central. After stops with the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians, Martinez looks to make his first World Series appearance.
Miguel Cabrera
Venezuela and the Tigers seem to go hand-in-hand. Miguel Cabrera, Martinez's teammate, led the Tigers in runs batted in with 109. For the 11th consecutive season, Cabrera hit at least 25 home runs. Cabrera won a World Series with the Florida Marlins back in 2003, so he knows what it's like to win a championship.
Jhonny Peralta
Like many young Dominican baseball players, Jhonny Peralta's talents were realized through minor league teams, and he eventually signed with a major league club. This year, Peralta has helped the St. Louis Cardinals win the National League Central over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Peralta leads the Cardinals in doubles hit with 38.
Albert Pujols
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have spent a lot of money in recent years, and it looks to be paying off. Albert Pujols has now recorded over 100 hits in a season all 14 seasons of his Hall of Fame career. Even though he's past his prime, Pujols had a great year, hitting 34 home runs and is trying to win his third World Series title.
Yasiel Puig
Here is your No.1 player to watch for October. Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig is one of the most electrifying players in all of baseball, but he is inconsistent. From diving catches to strikeouts and home runs, Puig is a must-watch player on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Puig and the Dodgers will be facing the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series.
Pablo Sandoval
Remember this guy? Venezuelan slugger Pablo Sandoval is one of the most clutch hitters in baseball. He guided the San Francisco Giants to two World Series titles in 2010 and 2012. His unbelievable performance in the 2012 World Series earned him the MVP award for the series. Sandoval is a career .333 hitter in the postseason with an eye-opening 29 hits in 23 playoff games.
Nelson Cruz
What more can you say about this guy?
Cruz leads the Baltimore Orioles' high-powered offense with 40 home runs. His 40 long balls are the most in the entire league. The Dominican-born outfielder also had 108 runs batted in. Cruz and the Orioles will face the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division series.
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