Jason Donald

Donald dealt with a variety of injuries last year but was able to fill a utility role for the Indians, hitting .318 in 39 games. He hasn't hit for any power in limited action over two seasons in the big leagues, but might swipe a dozen bases if he lands a full-time role due to injuries. He'll be back in a reserve role for the Indians as a backup at second base, third base and shortstop. Ultimately, Donald's playing time may hinge entirely on the health of the infielders ahead of him on the depth chart.

Donald parlayed the injury to Asdrubal Cabrera and the struggles of Luis Valbuena into some major league service time and meal money. He hit just .253 in 88 games as the team's shortstop and eventual second baseman following Cabrera's return. He'll enter the season with the inside track on the starting second base job and could give you some speed and a little pop from the keystone, but Donald has two prospects in Jason Kipnis and Cord Phelps zeroing in on big league playing time in the Indians system.

Donald came over to the Indians in the Cliff Lee trade after a disappointing season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley (.236/.297/.332). He didn't get much of a chance to impress his new organization as he played just 10 games before a back injury ended his season. He's been a shortstop primarily but his quickest path to the big leagues is in a utility role or at second base. Jamey Carroll's departure opens up a utility spot in Cleveland but Donald will need to regain the form he displayed at Double-A in 2008 (.307/.391/.497) before he begins to have big league dreams.

After progressing through Low-A Lakewood and High-A Clearwater in 2007, Donald spent the entire 2008 season in Double-A Reading and saw great success, batting .307 with 14 home runs, 54 RBI and 57 runs in 362 at-bats. He also posted a .888 OPS and stole 11 bases on 13 attempts. Donald, 24, appears very close to being ready for the majors, though his path to the big leagues will remain blocked for the time being by Jimmy Rollins and it’s no wonder that Donald has been the subject of several trade rumors. Should he get a chance to play, whether it is a result of injuries on Philadelphia’s roster or if he’s dealt to another team, he would have nice potential as a five-tool player from shortstop.