John McDonald

2013

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2012

While McDonald has earned the reputation of being an elite defensive player, a weak bat has kept him in a reserve role throughout his time in the big leagues. The D-Backs were pleased with his work after acquiring him from Toronto in the Aaron Hill-Kelly Johnson swap in August and signed him to a two-year deal to provide depth behind Stephen Drew. Even if McDonald has an opportunity to work as a starter to open the year while Drew recovers from a fractured ankle and hernia surgery, his career .238/.275/.326 slash line tells the entire story of what he can provide with the bat.

2011

McDonald's glove has kept him earning a big league paycheck for parts of 12 years now, but his bat just doesn't offer anything worth your trouble even if he were forced into a full-time role. He did manage to homer in one of his first games back following the death of his father, so there's something to be said for his perseverance. He'll be back as the team's backup shortstop following a .250/6/23 season with the Jays.

2010

McDonald re-upped with the Jays with a two-year, $3 million deal as the team desperately attempts to fill a gaping hole at shortstop after the departure of Marco Scutaro. McDonald's glove helps out the pitching staff but his bat is woefully inadequate in all formats, so the Jays signed Alex Gonzalez to handle the starting job.

2009

At this point, he'd probably be better served starting up a family farm, but if you can hit .210/.255/.269 and still collect a paycheck, who are we to begrudge? His bat has never been passable, but McDonald flashes enough leather to hold down a bench spot. There's no reason to have him on your fantasy team.

2008

Toronto liked his glove enough to give McDonald a two-year contract that will ensure a regular spot in the lineup despite a poor bat (.251/.279/.333). Those in leagues that count OBP and SLG will want to stay further away given the lethal combination of lots of at-bats and no pop.

2007

McDonald found himself the starting shortstop once Russ Adams was removed from the equation, and he basically stunk. The funny part? Toronto actually wants him back after having signed Royce Clayton. You'll want to distance yourself from any and all McDonald at-bats in 2007.

2006

McDonald split time between Toronto and Detroit in a utility role last season. He was traded back to Toronto this winter where he will assume his old role with Blue Jays.

2005

McDonald, another prospect from the Indians minor league system, has failed to find any consistency at the plate in his time in the majors. He's known for swinging away at bad pitches, but is praised for his defensive play at shortstop and second base. Now with the Blue Jays.

2004

Already limited by a chronic back injury, McDonald also needed microfracture surgery to repair an ailing knee in 2003. This is the same injury that the Denver Broncos' Terrell Davis had as a last-ditch effort to save his NFL career. The stakes weren't quite so high in this case - McDonald's major league career OPS is .540, and his OBP is .261.

2003

No patience, no speed, no power, no thanks.