Jays not giving up on signing Donaldson
Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins did a little of the old bob and weave when asked about contract negotiations with Josh Donaldson.
Donaldson said Monday that negotiations for a long-term deal have been put on hold so he can concentrate on the 2018 season — adding he expects to become a free agent at the end of the season.
But that, Atkins said, doesn’t mean the all-star third baseman and 2015 AL MVP is leaning toward leaving the Jays. When asked if the Jays feel they can get a deal done with Donaldson, Atkins replied: “Yes we do.”
How does that jive with Donaldson saying he expects to become a free agent?
“Well, he could become a free agent and still sign with the Toronto Blue Jays,” Atkins said.
“I think it’s ‘yet.’ We haven’t realized a deal ‘yet,’ so now we’ll shift our focus to spring training and getting ready for the year and try to bring a world championship back to Canada,” the Toronto GM said.
“But I’m sure (Donaldson’s agent) Danny (Lozano) and I will remain in contact like we always do.”
Atkins said Donaldson’s wish to focus on the season is sincere and that’s the only reason negotiations have been suspended.
Atkins said Donaldson’s statement that he would like to stay in Toronto is authentic.
‘SCARY MOMENT’
Jays pitching coach Pete Walker was behind the batting cage at the Bobby Mattick Training Centre Tuesday when a ball fouled into the screen and hit him in the forearm. Walker went down, got up, then went down again.
Trainers attended to Walker while catcher Russ Martin fetched ice and rubbed it against the back of Walker’s neck. After passing out for a couple of minutes, he got up and was taken to hospital. Atkins said later that Walker was all right.
“It was a scary moment,” said manager John Gibbons. “They sent him to get some tests, which was a smart thing to do.”