Josh Donaldson and life After Oakland
Yes the Oakland Athletics star third baseman, Josh Donaldson was traded on Friday evening, it was not a Thanksgiving meal-induced nightmare.
Despite the shock that rippled through the Oakland fanbase Friday evening, Donaldson’s comments following his trade to the Toronto Blue Jays make you think he knew it was coming. That is how things work with the Athletics.
“When you’re with Oakland, you understand that this day is eventually going to happen,” Donaldson told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
It was with other words that Donaldson told a different story, though. His departure from the Athletics will be hard on the front office, the lineup, and even the fans. But life after Oakland will not be as difficult for anyone as it will be for Donaldson himself.
“The most important thing is that Billy gave me an opportunit
Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin (6) celebrates with first baseman Brandon Moss (37) and third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) following their teams 4-0 win over the Texas Rangers a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Athletics clinched a wildcard playoff spot with the win. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
y to be on that team and I am very grateful for that, and for all the fan support I’ve had. I’m so glad to have been a part of that,” Donaldson told Slusser. “The guys in that clubhouse are my brothers, the coaches are my father figures.”
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In case you didn’t already know Josh Donaldson was a player acquired via trade in 2008 when the A’s sent oft-injured pitcher Rich Harden to the Chicago Cubs. He was not a defensive whiz at third base, and he was not a top prospect. He was a catcher who had issues with defense behind the plate, was struggling as a hitter in the minors at the time of the trade, and later struggled in his first two trips to the major leagues.
Then two things happened. Brandon Inge sprained his right shoulder and general manager Billy Beane held fast to his convictions about the player he sought since the 2007 amateur draft.
Two and a half star-caliber seasons later, Donaldson found himself as the centerpiece in a blockbuster trade.
So why will it be tough for Donaldson to get comfortable playing alongside Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Reyes? In case you didn’t already know Donaldson didn’t exactly grow up in the Cleaver household. He has had plenty of ups and downs in his life.
His father Levon spent 15 of Donaldson’s early years in prison. It wasn’t until late in the 2013 regular season that Levon first saw his son play. Not completely without a relationship though, Donaldson visited his father in prison and has seen him on occasion as an adult.
I do not know what it is like to grow up without a father, or to have a parent or guardian absent from my formative years. I do know how important a team can be in one’s life, however. The Bay Area was his home. The A’s were his family.
Other than 12 games in 2010, Bob Melvin has been the only manager Donaldson played for in the majors. A handful of A’s players and coaches are left from his first full seasons in Oakland.
To go through what Josh has and to have fought the on-field battles he has with the likes of Josh Reddick, Brandon Moss, and Coco Crisp without forming brother-like bonds is nearly impossible. You can see by their expressions and play during games that these guys don’t just share a locker room and a field, they share life. Game 162 wasn’t just a division-clinching game, it was a celebration of “look what we did together!”
It is clear Melvin isn’t simply the guy who puts together a lineup card and administers batting practice. Mike Gallego is more than the arm waving the way home. Ty Waller brings more to the field than just his stop watch. They are mentors, confidants, and fathers. Being away from them is not going to be an easy thing.
I’m sure Donaldson will find the success he is accustomed to in Toronto. I’m sure Jose Bautista and R.A. Dickey will take good care of him. Moving to a new place with different people and a new support system will be tough. But like everything else in his life that has been difficult, I’m confident he’ll figure it out.