Topic: Johnny Estrada

Johnny Pulado Estrada III (born June 27, 1976 in Hayward, California) is a Major League Baseball catcher who is currently a free agent.

Estrada was selected in the 17th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. His major league career started in 2001 with the Phillies after an injury to the regular starting catcher, Mike Lieberthal. In 2002, he became a part time player. Estrada was acquired by the Atlanta Braves from the Phillies on December 20, 2002, for Kevin Millwood in a move that was said to be financially motivated, since the Braves couldn't pay Millwood's salary. During the 2003 season, Estrada spent most of the year on Atlanta's Triple-A team, the Richmond Braves. After Javy López left due to free agency, Estrada became Atlanta's starting catcher in 2004. He hit .314 with 9 home runs and 76 RBI. Estrada also made the All-Star team and helped Atlanta win their 13th division title in a row. After a slightly disappointing 2005 season, Estrada was traded by the Braves to the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitchers Lance Cormier and Óscar Villarreal on December 7, 2005.

The 2006 season saw Estrada return to his All-Star form. He hit .302 with 11 home runs and 71 RBI in 115 games. After the 2006 season, Estrada was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers along with pitchers Claudio Vargas and Greg Aquino for pitchers Doug Davis (pitcher) and Dana Eveland and outfielder Dave Krynzel.