John McDonald

[Hubs]

Peter Gammons tweeted that McDonald is expected to make the team. By who, Gammons?

 

I highly doubt he will. Just as I highly doubt Torrealba, Tracy, Pena, Stewart or Boesch do. They will have at least 7 in the pen, leaving a four man bench. Conger is the first of those spots.

 

Green is killing the ball and I'd say his defense has improved. Shuck is playing a lot with Hamilton out. But so are Cowgill and Matt Long. And one spot remains. Likely for a backup infielder…it could go to McDonald, but I think he's third behind Romine and Field. Also, if Green plays this well than they may go with two reserve OF.

 

They'll also be monitoring other clubs for backups who get cut. 

[Broad Street]

He couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat.

[Erstad Grit]

Dude might be the greatest SS since Vizquel. 

[Angel Oracle]

What is the love affair with Tommy Field about?

Nothing he has done in the minors portends a MLB career of any decent length of time. Two seasons out of six with an .800+ OPS, and no real fielding skills = Green and Romine >>> Field.

Heck, his 2012 OPS while playing half of his games in real hitting friendly Colorado Springs was only .715.

Edited March 12, 2014 by Angel Oracle

[WallyWorld]

seeing as how this team will likely have more trouble preventing runs than scoring them, I wouldn't be opposed to see McDonald make the 25-man.  I like Green, but he seems like a singles hitter - would be nice to see some power from him.

[jshep]

If the team is going to carry a true defensive utility infielder, I can't think of a good reason for it to be McDonald over Romine.

 

He's basically a much older, very likely worse version of Andrew.

Edited March 12, 2014 by jshep

[Brent Maguire]

He has no reason to make it. As jshep said, Romine is younger and better.

 

I was surprised at how much Dipoto and Mead talked McDonald up this weekend. It seems like they're really valuing leadership more this year. 

[arch stanton]

Romine, Green, and Cowgill is the bench that makes the most sense to start.

[Stradling]

I got the feeling from Fanfest that they really like McDonalds leadership and intangibles.

[jshep]

Sounds like he would be a good coach then

[Marsaka]

Then make McDonald the manager and scioscia can be the ball boy.

[Docwaukee]

is the guy Newt friggin Rockne?

[LightTheHalo]

McDonald can still flat out field. I have no problem with him making the club. Veterans are good to have around.

 

And not that it really means anything, but he's hitting .417 this spring.

[LightTheHalo]

Or Knute Rockne... 

 

;-)

[jshep]

McDonald can still flat out field. I have no problem with him making the club. Veterans are good to have around.

And not that it really means anything, but he's hitting .417 this spring.

I only would have a problem with him making the team because Romine is younger/better and out of options.

[Erstad Grit]

http://m.mlb.com/video/v12301309/seator-mcdonald-robs-wilson-of-a-hit-in-the-ninth/?query=josh+mcdonald

[Marsaka]

I only would have a problem with him making the team because Romine is younger/better and out of options.

 

but we need mcdonald to provide leadership which is something the best manager in baseball is incapable of doing.

[Homebrewer]

I only would have a problem with him making the team because Romine is younger/better and out of options.

With the glut of infielders, Romine might become frosting on a trade for pitching

[Stradling]

but we need mcdonald to provide leadership which is something the best manager in baseball is incapable of doing.

My god your act is getting old. By the way in baseball as well as other avenues, leadership is needed with the people doing the work as well as the boss or the manager.

[Chuck]

I hope McDonald makes the team. He's been hitting well and his D is incredible.

More importantly his leadership in the clubhouse is needed and he's very respected Among the players. Tim Mead said he hopes McDonald makes the team for those two reasons.

[OregonLAA]

I can't make up my mind for who I want to make the team. I like Pena, Shuck, Cowgill, Long, Romine, Green and McDonald. Can they all make it?

[Hollyw00d]

What is the love affair with Tommy Field about?

Nothing he has done in the minors portends a MLB career of any decent length of time. Two seasons out of six with an .800+ OPS, and no real fielding skills = Green and Romine >>> Field.

Heck, his 2012 OPS while playing half of his games in real hitting friendly Colorado Springs was only .715.

 

you get a like for using portend

[Chuck]

I can't make up my mind for who I want to make the team. I like Pena, Shuck, Cowgill, Long, Romine, Green and McDonald. Can they all make it?

I'm feeling the same way.

[Deek]

I think sometimes we forget how many of these fringe guys get talked up, or a bit more playing time, in an effort to increase their value because management would love to move them...

[laagamer]

Then make McDonald the manager and scioscia can be the ball boy.

Trout can be the new Rally Monkey.