Willy Taveras

Major League Baseball outfielder Willy Taveras currently plays for the Cincinnati Reds.

On December 27, 2008, news agencies reported that Willy Taveras had agreed to a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds. Taveras spent the last two seasons with the Colorado Rockies. In 2008, he hit .251, while stealing 68 bases to lead all of the Majors. Taveras is expected to be the Reds leadoff hitter and center fielder in 2009.MLB.com: Reds ink Taveras to two year deal (December 27, 2008)

Willy Taveras was born in Tenares, Dominican Republic on December 25, 1981. He was drafted as an amateur free agent by the Cleveland Indians in 1999. He would spend several years with the Indians franchise, before being drafted by the Houston Astros in the Rule 5 Draft.Baseball-Reference.com: Willy Taveras

Taveras would make his major league debut with the Astros on September 6, 2004.He played his first full season with the Astros in 2005 and he was a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate losing to Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2006, he was traded to the Colorado Rockies with Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsch for Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio. In 2007, Taveras was a key member of the National League Championship team, Colorado Rockies.MLB.com: Willy Taveras

• 1981: Born on December 25
• 2004: Debuts with Houston Astros
• 2005: Voted Rookie of the Year by players
• 2006: Traded to Colorado Rockies
• 2008: Signed with Cincinnati Reds

• Mahalo's Guide to the Cincinnati Reds
• ESPN.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 160
  • Rookie Year: 2004

• 1981 : Born on December 25

• 2004: Debuts with Houston Astros

• 2005: Voted Rookie of the Year by players

• 2006: Traded to Colorado Rockies