McDonald a leader in Jays infield
03/11/2006SARASOTA, Fla. -- Before the massive multimillion dollar contracts, before the five-player trade, before the additions of a World Series MVP and a two-time Gold Glove winner, Toronto made a transaction that barely registered a blip on the baseball radar screen.
The Blue Jays reacquired 31-year-old infielder John McDonald on Nov. 10 from Detroit, less than four months after shipping him to the Tigers for cash considerations.
It wasn't a move that was going to make any major headlines. But Toronto knew that bringing McDonald and his solid glovework back could help the development of Russ Adams and Aaron Hill, the Blue Jays' young double-play tandem.
Was Toronto infield instructor Brian Butterfield thrilled to have McDonald back?
"Undoubtedly," Butterfield said, while Adams and Hill took grounders during batting practice on Saturday. "I think they've developed a bond, the three of them, where they talk through situations. Johnny can talk to them based on experience."
"The biggest thing for me is John is a solid defender. Coupled with that, he does things right," he added. "They can look at him and they can emulate him -- from [shortstop or second base]."
McDonald is entering his eighth season in the Majors. He's currently on Toronto's depth chart as the backup to Adams at short, and the backup to Hill at second base. Adams is entering his second season as the Jays' full-time shortstop, and Hill, who was drafted at the same position, is making the transition to second base after playing just 22 games there as a rookie a year ago.
Those facts make McDonald a valuable asset for the up-and-coming middle infielders.
"I think having him around has been a big plus for us, because he knows what he's talking about and he's fun to listen to," Adams said. "It's good to have him here. Taking groundballs with him and seeing how he goes about his business, then getting to chat with him. It does nothing but help us as young players."
Adams, 25, struggled at times with his throwing accuracy last season and, as a result, committed 26 errors. He said that one of the things he's been able to take from McDonald has been his steady footwork. Studying the veteran's techniques in that aspect has allowed Adams to become better with his own footwork, which is important for making precise throws.
"We talk about footwork more than anything -- getting your feet in position to throw," Adams said. "He gets rid of the ball really quick and I think that's one of the reasons why, because his feet are always in a good position."
Hill, 23, played third base, shortstop and second last year for Toronto, but he is taking over as the regular second baseman now that Gold Glove winner Orlando Hudson is gone. One of the biggest differences from playing second compared to short is the hand and footwork around the bag when turning a double play.
Watching McDonald work has been a key to Hill's progress. Hill said that he's learned the most from McDonald by simply observing what he does during fielding drills, and then discussing certain methods afterwards.
"After we get done doing everything, we'll sit down and talk about everything," Hill said. "If he sees something he likes, sees something you need [to work on] -- minor things. Your hands might be a little below your glove or something. He's just been around the game. He has experience, and it's always good to have someone around like that."
McDonald has split most of his career games between shortstop and second base. He has a career fielding percentage of .961 at short and a mark of .987 at second.
While he has more big-league experience than Adams and Hill combined, McDonald is quick to defend the young duo and their abilities. He said they all feed off each other more than he helps instruct them on their techniques.
"I am here to work with them, but they're good players already. It's all fine tuning," McDonald said. "It's working together -- working at second with Aaron and working at short with Russ -- just making each other better.
"I don't sit back and watch Aaron take ground balls. That is [Butterfield's] job," he added. "We watch what each other is doing. I know what they do wrong, and they know it at the same time. So we can have dialogue about it, which is very important."
Maybe McDonald is a little hesitant to say that he's with Toronto to help teach Adams and Hill how to become better fielders. But Butterfield is very upfront about what he feels McDonald should do as the veteran in the infield.
"John and I have had a lot of discussions, and he's such a respectful guy -- he feels like, 'I don't want to step on anyone's toes,' " Butterfield said. "I said, 'No, I invite that.' I invite our veteran players to talk to our youngsters, because they've been through it. And he's a fundamentally solid guy. I want him to do that."
Whether McDonald is doing it intentionally or not, he's helping Adams and Hill develop into the solid up-the-middle combination that Toronto believes they can be.
He may not be pulling the young fielders aside and giving them instructions, but McDonald is leading by example. Adams and Hill are watching him every step of the way.
"He's helped me through everything, really," Hill said. "Having Johnny Mac to really show me everything and giving you positive feedback -- how I'm doing, how I'm looking. It's always good to have someone there."
"That's a bonus," McDonald said. "I've had players teach me an awful lot and to be able to take that in and give it back [is great]."
Source: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/
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