DONALDSON, BLUE JAYS DIG IN ON SALARY.

TORONTO • A year ago, Josh Donaldson lost his first skirmish with the Toronto Blue Jays in an arbitration hearing. This time around, his arsenal is a little more imposing.

And even though the Donaldson and the Jays are apparently only US$ 450,000 apart, the two sides are digging in for another showdown.

The American League MVP is one of two Blue Jays whose 2016 contracts will be determined by an arbitrator. Donaldson and right-hander Jesse Chavez failed to reach agreements with the club before Friday’s 1 p. m. deadline for arbitration- eligible players.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that Donaldson is seeking US$ 11.8 million in arbitration and the Jays countered with a figure of $11.35 million. When parties are that close, it is not uncommon for them to meet in the middle rather than go to a hearing.

Six Jays avoided arbitration and agreed to oneyear deals: Brett Cecil ($ 3.8 million), Steve Delabar ($ 835,000), Drew Hutchison ($ 2.2 million), Aaron Loup ($ 1.05 million), Mi- chael Saunders ($ 2.9 million) and Drew Storen ($ 8.8 million).

A source said the Jays, under new president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins, will continue the “file- and- trial” policy of the previous regime. That means they will not negotiate with Donaldson or Chavez while awaiting a hearing.

Here’s how arbitration works:

The two sides exchange salary n u mbers. Bot h present their cases before an arbitrator at a February hearing. The arbitrator weighs the submissions and picks one number or the other — no compromise. Arbitrated contracts are for one year.

Last year, shortly after joining the Jays in a trade from Oakland, Donaldson sought $5.75 million in arbitration. The club countered with $ 4.3 million. The Jays won.

This time, after his breakthrough performance helped boost the Jays into the playoffs, Donaldson has a much more compelling case. He won the MVP award after leading the league in RBIs, runs and total bases while hitting 41 homers and dazzling on defence.