Atkins confident Donaldson will stay a Jay
DU N EDI N • 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 on Monday that negotiations for a possible long-term deal with the Jays have been put on hold for now so he can concentrate on the 2018 season — adding that he expects to become a free agent at the end of the season.
But that, said Atkins, doesn’t mean that the all-star third baseman and 2015 AL MVP is leaning toward leaving the Jays. In fact, when asked point- blank if the Jays feel they can get a deal down with Donaldson, Atkins replied: “Yes, we do.”
Atkins was then asked how that jibes with Donaldson saying he expects to become a free agent at the end of the year?
“Well, he could become a free agent and still sign with the Toronto Blue Jays,” said Atkins.
“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,” said the Toronto GM. “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 exclusively on the season is sincere and that’s the only reason why negotiations have been suspended for now.
Atkins said Donaldson’s wish that he would like to stay in Toronto is authentic.
Jays pitching coach Pete Walker was behind the batting cage at the Bobby Mattick Training Centre on Tuesday when a ball fouled into the screen and hit him in the forearm. Walker went down, got up and then went down again.
Trainers were called and attended to Walker while catcher Russ Martin fetched some 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.”
Gibbons said he will likely post the starting pitching order with the Grapefruit League schedule beginning on Friday. Speculation is Marcus Stroman will pitch opening day on March 29 at home against the Yankees.