Prado, Lillibridge vying for Braves utility role

TAMPA, Fla. -- Martin Prado and Brent Lillibridge are known for their ability to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield.

Now, the versatile duo is providing dividends with their bats as well -- and the Braves coaches are not missing their potential.

"What they do offensively and with the glove is very valuable to us, plus they can play all over the field," Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton said.

Coming into Sunday's Grapefruit League game, Prado was batting .306 with eight RBIs and Lillibridge was hitting .250 with seven RBIs. Their ability to fill in at multiple positions and drive in runs is giving both a chance to make the Opening Day roster as a reserve.

"What [Prado] is doing now is something we expect out of him -- we think he's that good a player," Pendleton said.

Prado, who batted .288 in 59 at-bats for Atlanta in 2007, said that his mental approach has been better this spring and that he has been "trying not to do too much."

This season, with veteran utility man Omar Infante out with a broken left hand, the need for versatile players like Prado and Lillibridge, who are both 24 and can play multiple positions, becomes essential.

Prado has been playing mostly second and third -- the two positions he played for Atlanta last season and in the Minor Leagues -- but the Braves did use him at shortstop twice this spring. He also played all outfield positions during winter ball in Venezuela.

Lillibridge can also play three infield positions and played center field in college.

Infante, also a multiple positions guy, will be out through most -- possibly all -- of April, and the Braves will need at least one player to fill in the needed positions.

While Prado has worked himself through the Braves' organization since 2001, Lillibridge came over last year as part of the Adam LaRoche trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lillibridge totaled 13 homers and 42 stolen bases in 139 games at two levels last season. At Triple-A Richmond, he hit .287 with 10 homers, 28 steals and 41 RBIs in 87 games to earn team Player of the Year honors.

Recently, Lillibridge was hit by a pitch three times in three days.

"They seem to come in bunches," said Lillibridge, who was hit in the tricep, back and shoulder. He was hit twice in the same game on Thursday.

But Lillibridge is not afraid to take his share of lumps -- whether at-bat or on the field -- in trying to prove that he belongs on the big club.

"I think I've proven myself, that I can help this team if they've got a spot for me. If not, then I'll do my best at Triple-A," Lillibridge said.

As for Prado, making the Opening Day roster will be the result of years of dedication in the Minor Leagues and the fulfillment of a dream.

"I'll be proud to start the season as the utility guy for the Braves," Prado said.