New York Yankess: The 5 Best NL Players in the Yankees Interleague Schedule

For a few series every baseball season, the American and National Leagues face off in a battle for, well, nothing more than drawing larger ticket sales in different cities each season.  It is a strain on both leagues' teams.  The National League must pull bench players into more pressure-induced hitting roles for extended amounts of games, while the American League must place pitchers not used to hitting into unfamiliar territory.  Negatives aside, interleague play is a great chance to see the opposing league's biggest stars once a season (outside of meeting in the World Series), and the Yankees ran across five of the best the National League has to offer.

The Big Red Machine's Joey Votto

Cincinnati Reds' first baseman Joey Votto has been on the uptick ever since breaking into the league in 2007, culminating into an MVP award last year.  Though he was held in check during the Yankees' three-game stint in Cincy, Votto's 1-11 at the plate didn't stand out.  Instead was his drive to succeed, seemingly frustrated like former Red and Yankee Paul O'Neill (well, maybe not exactly like him) after making an out.  His play in the field was exceptional as well.  

Surrounded by a group of average to above average, Votto and the Reds seem on the precipice of NL Central supremacy.  Last year seemed more like an anomaly than a trend, however, as they were easily swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the Phillies after taking the division.  If Votto continues to perform at a high, MVP-like level, his bat can carry the team a long ways in this second half. 

National Idol: Troy Tulowitzki

Colorado Rockies' superb shortstop Troy Tulowitzki wasn't given his no. 2; he chose it.  Idolizing Derek Jeter from his play to his leadership, Tulowitzki has done his best to honor Jeter's attributes in the field.  After a three-game set in the Bronx, there is one thing certain; he is easily in the discussion for baseball's best shortstop.  A physical specimen similar to that of Jeter, Tulowitzki even made Jeter's signature play: a run to the hole between shortstop and third, followed by a spinning jump-throw to first, putting the ball on the money to first base.

The one thing the Rockies' shortstop is missing is the hardware, and maybe a team to get it on.  There isn't much doubt that if put in the scenario, Tulowitzki would perform on an elite level like Jeter did many times before.  Since he is locked up with Colorado until 2020, he will get many chances to make Rockies history in the coming decade.

Prince of Wisconsin: Prince Fielder

Cecil Fielder may never say his son Prince is better than he was, but he doesn't have to.  Even though he is on a contract year, the Milwaukee Brewers' first baseman isn't new to great seasons.  With 21 home runs and 70 RBI this year, he is arguably the best player on his team.  During his trip to Yankee Stadium, his vicious cuts helped that case considerably.  His telltale swing was driving a ball near home-run distance to left field off pitcher and good friend C.C. Sabathia, all while Sabathia was locked in to one of his best starts this season.  

Sadly for the Brewers, it will be extremely difficult to keep Fielder next season to free agency, in part to his great numbers and the massive contracts of first baseman like Mark Teixeira and Adrian Gonzalez.  Brewers fans may have two things going for them in the campaign to keep him.  Their team is not afraid to spend money, practically turning themselves into a big-market team with consistent signings of big pitchers.  Also, the market for a premiere first baseman looking to break the bank is very low.  Most every contending team either has a great one, or is in too much debt to afford one.   

Milwaukee's Best: Ryan Braun

The only player stopping Prince Fielder from being the Milwaukee Brewers' best player is their left fielder, Ryan Braun.  Though his statistics aren't as boastful as Fielder's, his play is just as impressive.  His effortless hitting and smooth fielding make him seem like a natural, and unlike Fielder, he'll be one in Milwaukee for awhile.  

As the Brewers were swept out of the Bronx during the week, Braun may have been the lone bright spot for the team as he extended his hitting streak to a major-league-best 20 games through the three-game series, capping it off with an impressive 3-3 against an otherwise-dominant C.C. Sabathia and bullpen.  With the hitting of Braun and Fielder and some good starting pitching, the Brewers are certainly ready to compete for a National League Central title.

Right as Reyes: Jose Reyes

The best part of the Subway Series is its home-away style, each team taking aim at each other's park for three games. Unfortunately for the Yankees, it means they must face Mets shortstop Jose Reyes twice this season.  

Frankly, Reyes' season so far has been the best in baseball. His endless barrage of hits, stolen bases, runs scored and great plays in the field have carried the Amazin's to a winning record on July 1, something nobody really expected. He has captured some of New York's attention, a tough thing to do when the Yankees are battling the Red Sox throughout the summer.  

Like Prince Fielder, Reyes is also on a contract year; however, his situation is much more difficult to predict. Not only are there many teams who would love a player like Reyes—like the San Francisco Giants, feeling he could put them over the top as an elite club—but he has turned into a huge crowd favorite.  

In New York it works both ways. If you fail, you can be so much as hated and thrown out of town. If you succeed, however, your pedestal is higher than any other U.S. city. Whether the new management and financially unstable owners, the Wilpons, decide to try and hold on to the 27-year-old phenomenon shortstop will remain to be seen.