McDonald turning heads
By John Fay • jfay@enquirer.com • March 25, 2009
SARASOTA, Fla. – Darnell McDonald is the only player still using a locker along the wall near the door of the Reds clubhouse.
“I’m going to keep it right here on the back row,” he said. “I’m not changing anything.”
All of McDonald’s locker neighbors are gone – optioned, re-assigned to minor league camp or released.
McDonald, 30, is still with the club because he’s played his way into the picture.
He’s hitting .371 with one home run and 10 RBI in 35 at-bats. He’s also made several nice plays in the outfield.
Reds manager Dusty Baker has taken note.
“He’s showing what he can do offensively and defensively,” Baker said. “The talent is there. You can see why he was a first-round draft choice.”
Exhibit A: McDonald threw out a runner at the plate to end the ninth inning Wednesday.
“What a throw,” Baker said. “I haven’t seen a throw like that in a long time.”
McDonald was a first-round pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 1997, when he was Baseball America’s high school player of the year.
He seemed to be on his way when he combined to hit .290 with 20 steals in 2003 at Double-A and Triple-A.
He got his first taste of the big leagues in 2004 – hitting .156 in 32 at-bats with the Orioles.
But he didn’t get back to the majors again until 2007 – going 1-for-10 for the Twins.
The Reds are his fifth organization since being released by the Twins.
“I try to go out and open some eyes, let them know,” McDonald said. “Being with a new organization, you’ve got to take advantage of opportunities. Dusty has given me some opportunities. I just want to prove I can play in the big leagues.”
McDonald knows if he hadn’t played well, he’d probably be in the minor league camp by now.
“That’s the thing for me,” McDonald said. “I’ve got to put pressure on these guys and show I can play in the big leagues. I’ve worked hard to try to get back to the big leagues. Coming into spring training, I’ve got be ready to go from Day 1.”
He’s done that. He’ll have to continue to do it to make the team.
“I’m thankful to come over here and get a chance, get some opportunities. Every day, that’s the approach I take – try to leave them with something,” he said.
If nothing else, McDonald has shown the Reds that they’ll have a reliable player at Triple-A should he not make the team.
“That’s the plus about going to big league camp,” he said. “You get to show the big league staff what you can do, what type of ballplayer you are. So, if the situation arises, they know they can count on you and know what to expect.”
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090...2/1062/SPT
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McDonald turning heads
