New York Yankees: Ten Unsung heroes from the 2000s

OF Melky Cabrera (2005-2009)

It seems like ages ago that Melky Cabrera was in pinstripes. Since he was traded to the Atlanta Braves following the 2009 season, he has played on seven different teams.

Cabrera’s 15-year MLB run began in New York as one of the team’s top prospects. He was thrown into the fire in 2006, a year after clubhouse buddy Robinson Cano burst onto the scene.

For the next four seasons, Cabrera would lockdown left and center field for the Yanks. In his Yankees career, he posted a .269/.331/.385 line. Although his best years were ahead of him, there was no denying that he was a reliable outfield option. “The Melk Man” proved he could be a part of a championship squad in 2009 as well.

Cabrera began the season on the bench, losing a starting spot to Brett Gardner. However, he regained a role in the starting lineup by the end of April and posted a .274/.336/.416 line in 154 games.

Although he was just 24 at the time, the Yankees would enter the 2010 season with a revamped outfield. Gardner became the everyday left fielder and the Yanks would trade for All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson. Cabrera was traded and his career in pinstripes ended abruptly.

It’s also hard to overlook Cabrera’s countless moments in pinstripes. As David Mendelsohn, pointed out on Twitter, Cabrera was sure at the center of some memorable moments for such a short stint with the team.