Donaldson has something to prove
Former Blue Jays slugger is at home in Atlanta, feeling happy and healthy
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. — Josh Donaldson stepped into the cage donning a red, white and blue American flag bandana with his patented ponytail draping his neck. He stared straight forward, stoic expression and all, entertaining unworthy pitches until timing his strike.
His lightning-quick swing features a noticeable leg kick and esthetically pleasing follow-through. The bat-toball crackle manifests baseball elegance. He put on a morning power display in the Atlanta Braves spring training backfields Sunday, scattering his routine handiwork across the deep outfield.
It mantled more importance than basic batting practice. Injuries ruined Donaldson’s past two springs. His return to Major League Baseball’s ceremonious pre-season workouts, his first with the Braves, wasn’t defined as gliding through the motions.
The former MVP, whose past season was deteriorated by circumstances beyond his control, was back with a purpose. His percolating energy and unfazed focus better suited a post-season push than an introduction to Disney World.
“That’s just how I go about my business,” Donaldson said. “I take a lot of pride in what I do. I put a lot of time into it. Every swing I take, everything I do is very precious to me. So I try to own that and have some intent to my work. There’s a focus to everything I’m doing.”
In a perfect world, Donaldson said he wants to play 150-155 games. He looks back on his frequent time off the past two seasons — due to shoulder and calf injuries — as a cleanse. His mental and physical health are the best they’ve been in years.
This is a story of a country boy returning to his roots. Donaldson, a Florida native who went to high school in Mobile, Ala., and attended Auburn, spent most of his major-league career in Oakland and Toronto. He had a brief stint in Cleveland last season.
When that bell rang, Donaldson indulged in MLB’s lifeless market. But the Braves, seeing the chance to better their lineup and depth, struck swiftly. Everyone knows the history between general manager Alex Anthopoulos and Donaldson. Anthopoulos is the one who brought him to Toronto as the centrepiece of a contender.
Anthopoulos emerged from that deal a genius. Donaldson won an MVP and helped revive the torpid Blue Jays. Toronto and Anthopoulos parted ways years ago, but Donaldson’s tenure in Canada didn’t end until last August.
When Donaldson was free to choose his own destination, Anthopoulos didn’t let him endure the painful free-agency waters. He made it clear he wanted Donaldson early on and tossed him a $23-million buoy as evidence.
“If I would’ve been healthy last year, who knows what would’ve happened (in free agency),” Donaldson said. “But I’m very confident and I’m thrilled to be here and be part of this organization. Alex was very forthright with me early on in negotiating. Him and I have always had that relationship where, good or bad, we want to discuss things, how we can improve. He’s always been very honest with me. So I knew when he said he wanted to take a chance and start trying to put (a contract) together, I knew he was serious.”
The deal reunited Donaldson with his childhood team. His family’s struggles seeing him play evaporated. As Donaldson explained it, there won’t be any more attempts at following him on the West Coast or in another country. They just need to turn on the local television channels.
Once a child idolizing Ron Gant, Donaldson came home the veteran with the most ability to push the Braves past a first-round post-season appearance.
“For me, being from the South, watching the Braves growing up, that plays a part in it. The environment that I’m going to be in here, that plays a huge part in it,” Donaldson said. “So I know (my family and friends) are excited about that. Whenever I step out there opening day, and I continue to go out there and do the things that I’m capable of doing, I’m sure everyone else will be excited, too.”