Alberto beat out several candidates in spring training to earn the Yankees' backup catching job in 2002. He's such a strong defensive presence behind the plate that his contributions with the bat are looked upon as a bonus. Playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2001, Alberto hit .198, with four doubles, one home run and four RBI, in 66 games. He made 44 starts behind the plate and threw out 27 percent (12-of-45) of the runners who tried to steal off him.

Alberto was signed by the New York Mets out of the Dominican Republic when he was just 17 years old. He saw limited action with the Mets from 1995-98 before being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the Rule 5 (Minor League) Draft at the conclusion of 1998. Alberto spent all of 1999 with the Redbirds and was the club's regular catcher during the second half of the season. He hit .263, with four homers and 31 RBI, in 93 games. Alberto stood out defensively, too, as he threw out 44 percent (27-62) of would-be basestealers. He moved on to the Blue Jays in 2000 and spent two seasons north of the border. Picked up by the Yankees in 2002 for a one-year stint, Alberto moved on to San Francisco in 2003 and then onto Kansas City for the 2004 season.