TORONTO (CP) _ The Toronto Blue Jays and shortstop John McDonald
have agreed on a US$3.8-million, two-year deal.
The contract extension, confirmed to The Canadian Press by a
source with knowledge of the talks, was expected to be announced
later Tuesday and comes after a dismal 2-5 road trip that included
two gut-wrenching losses in the ninth inning.
McDonald, who is earning $750,000 this season, would have been
eligible for free agency in the fall. His signing brings stability
to a position that has long been a sore point for the club.
Over the past couple of seasons, McDonald has developed into one
of the game's top defensive players at short, routinely stealing
hits from opponents and making game-changing plays with his glove.
The 32-year-old took over as the everyday shortstop from Russ
Adams last season but faded down the stretch to raise questions
about his durability.
Royce Clayton was brought in as insurance for this season but
became expendable when a better-prepared McDonald again emerged as
the starter.
He's tremendously popular with his teammates, particularly second
baseman Aaron Hill and the team's pitchers, who all marvel at his
wizadry in the field.
That glovework allows the Blue Jays to look past his lack of
offensive prowess _ he was hitting just .252 with a homer and 28
RBIs heading into Tuesday's action _ because of the amount of runs
he keeps from scoring.
The Blue Jays lineup should also be strong enough to carry his
bat.
