The Case for Darnell McDonald
by Marisa Ingemi on Jan 31, 2011 10:14 AM EST
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With the signing of Carl Crawford and trade of Adrian Gonzalez, the Red Sox lineup is left with five left handed hitters, joining JD Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz. Most lineup projections have two lefties back-to-backs, with Crawford and Gonzalez and later Ortiz and Drew.
With Crawford/Gonzalez, I am not too worried, as Gonzalez hit better vs left handers last season. Crawford struggles with lefties, but it is what it is there. As far as Ortiz/Drew, I don't like it much but don't have a huge problem with it, unless of course the starter is a lefty.
Vs right handed pitchers, no problem. But what about a lefty reliever? Pinch hit Mike Cameron, no problem. So the back-to-back should not be a dire problem for the lineup.
But what about when they face a left handed starter? DH Lowrie, RF for Cameron, and then what? Not really a huge deal, as they can live with three lefties in the lineup. But it would be nice to have another bench right hander.
If we look at the roster, we have the starting nine. Then the bullpen- Papelbon, Bard, Jenks, Wheeler, Okajima, Doubront, Atchison. That is 16. Then the rotation, add five more. 21. So bench, Varitek, Cameron, Lowrie for 24. So you are left with one more. Daniel Nava is an option, because he is a switch hitter, but hits better leftie, so that's useless. They want Ryan Kalish to get more AAA time, so not him, And definitely not Josh Reddick.
So how about Darnell McDonald? He performed well here last season, and crushed left handers. I think he should make the roster, and I think he will see some playing time.
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Not even a question in my mind
I want Darnell on the bench in Boston. Nava can be kept as depth in Pawtucket, and Kalish absolutely needs regular playing time, so he needs to be assigned to AAA as well.
Not sure a case has to be made.
His position is assumed.
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yes and I have no doubt that he will
the Sox hate letting useful players go on waivers. Even useless players, really.
Wow... not a single naysayer...
A unanimous vote for anything on OTM is impressive to me.
I think he’s earned that 4th OF spot, and Kalish gets the additional seasoning he needs in AAA up to the trade deadline. Around there, I would think it’s possible McDonald gets traded to a team that would actually use him as a starting OF everyday for some piece we need for our stretch run.
Frankly, I’m a little surprised we didn’t deal Nava for a similar piece this offseason. Seems like he’d have some value to get us at least a LOOGY, no?
Don't see Nava with any real value
He’s a AAAA type outfielder at best – dime a dozen (ala Brandon Moss)
Yeah, but for the Pirates?
I mean, there are teams out there with AAAA guys up and down the roster.
Seems like there’d be a team willing to give up a little something for him. He might be better than their current AAAA guy.
I agree with you
Nava may bring a LOOGY.
by Marisa Ingemi on Jan 31, 2011 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
You need to get your eyes checked. I thought Nava was serviceable here.
by Marisa Ingemi on Jan 31, 2011 10:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
serviceable
but not a versatile as McDonald
Nava lacks defense/speed – the key ingredients to your 5th outfielder
I'm not making that argument...
I’m definitely among the 51 and counting unanimous votes for McDonald to be our 5th OF.
However, I still think we should be able to flip Nava to a team for a piece that woul help the Sox in 2011. I mean, with Kalish getting more seasoning in AAA and an easy call up (after his performance in 2010), what role does Nava serve in this organization? Shouldn’t we try to get something for him?
He absolutely needs to stay on the roster and I fully expect him to.
Darnell truly surprised me last year and then I didn’t see his full value until I saw his sweet sweet L/R spits, he crushed lefties, he crushed ’em good!
I like Kalish, Nava and Reddick but how about we have them form an excellent OF in Pawtucket where they can continue to get full starting time.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
Wow
33 for, and none against.
Kinda suprised since that never happens.
!!!!! GONZO !!!!!
!!!!! CRAWFORD !!!!!
!!!!! LIVERPOOL !!!!!
It feels nice to be agreed with.
by Marisa Ingemi on Jan 31, 2011 10:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I mean, it's also a remarkably obvious question.
He has an average bat, which is great against lefties (which we need). He plays a good corner defense, and we already have multiple center options. He stepped up last year when we really needed him. We need a 5th outfielder either way and Kalish/Reddick/Nava could all use time in AAA. No-brainer.
As of right now, I prefer him to be the 13th position player
and 5th OF (although admittedly, it’s not common). I don’t think we really need a back-up 1B as Youk can take over when Gonzo rests with Lowrie playing third.
Although it’s not gonna happen, McDonald’s the starting DH in my line-up against left handed starters:
Lowrie
Pedroia
Youkilis
Gonzalez
Cameron
Crawford
Varitek
McDonald
Ellsbury
I honestly believe it will be McDonald or Scoot DHing against lefties.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
that MAYBE happens by the end of the year
but I really, sincerely doubt it if Ortiz is putting up good numbers (even if struggling against lefties)
Mac is the better Defensive player....keep him
I like Nava, he will see time in Fenway also injuries being the norm over the course of 162 games.
"You're either carrying a spear, or running from it"
by BigSpearDiplomacy on Feb 1, 2011 7:14 AM EST reply actions
Blasphemy!!
Though, frankly, I’m surprised it took this long.
I am curious where the corresponding comment is. C’mon, let’s hear from the Boston fan that voted against McDonald.
I was tempted to be the one, but I passed.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
New York Rangers- It's just pain.
It's such a no-brainer that even a Yankees fan actually rooting for us to fail can't vote against it
Which, of course, just deepens the mystery behind who actually did it (and now there are two of them!)… and why.
Hey, now...
Voted for Yes on Over the Monster – 01/31/11 1:23 PM PST
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USG
by Ben Buchanan on Feb 1, 2011 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
Agree with the no-brainer
train of thought. His #‘s against lefties are telling, as are his team-leading # of assists (9) as a part time player, and I think he also led the team in sacrifice AB’s. He did whatever he could to help the team, and did it well. He is also now part of the clubhouse glue, working out in AZ with PD, being at Papi’s golf function, participating in wintertime Sox events and charity functionis. I imagine he also gives hope to guys who are blocked or late bloomers. He could start on a number of teams.
Wakefield Not on This 25 Man Roster
I suppose that doesn’t change things much – pushes Prince Felix down to AAA to start. But that leaves without a lefty, so maybe it isn’t so simple.
Interesting point...
… though, theoretically, Okajima is the lefty out of the pen on this roster and Doubront might very well start the season in AAA to stay stretched out as a starter and get experience for that role in 2011.
Wakefield would simply take Doubront’s spot, and McDonald would fill the final open roster spot.
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