Auburn Baseball in the Big Leagues: MLB Spring Training Begins

Mar 1, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits during spring training workouts at Bobby Mattick Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

On the heels of a breakout 2013 season, Josh Donaldson was even better for the Oakland Athletics in 2014.

The third baseman set career highs in five major offensive categories and emerged as one of the premiere players at his position – enough so that the 29-year old was selected to the American League All-Star team.

Donaldson hit .255/.342/.456 in 2014, which wasn’t quite as good as the .301/.384/.499 he put up in 2013, but he set new career highs with 608 at bats, 93 runs scored, 29 home runs, 98 RBI and eight stolen bases. The Pensacola, Florida native collected 155 hits, 277 total bases, 31 doubles and two triples in 158 games.

The A’s depended on Donaldson as a run producer in the middle of the lineup more than even before, but still shipped him north of the border to the Toronto Blue Jays during the off-season in a trade for Brett Lawrie, Sean Nolin, Kendall Graveman and Franklin Barreto.

“He’s one of the better hitters in baseball — we’re fantasizing about him hitting in there,” Jays manager John Gibbons said of Donaldson recently. “He’s a capable player. It’s hard to find a better third baseman than Brett Lawrie, but Donaldson is right there.

“He’s a go-getter. He’s a high-energy guy. He comes to play every day. You like guys who have some spunk.”

Donaldson will join forces with sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion in one of the AL’s best lineups.

Next: Tim Hudson