Tribe’s Jason Donald takes lessons from 2011 season
Things are not always perfect and for Cleveland Indians’ make-shift second baseman, Jason Donald that was the case in 2011. The hard hitter was scheduled to start this season on third base. He was put on the injured list, instead. Moving on to the latter
half of the season, Donald returned to salvage whatever season he had left in the Major League. Talking on his predicament in the year, the infielder gave the press his view on the year on Wednesday, 9 November.
"I learned this year that you can never look too far ahead," Donald said. "I'll never plan anything. I'll never say, 'Well, this is probably what's going to happen.'"
Donald kicked off 2011 in Spring Training. Mostly looking to play as a regular hitter in the pack, he was effectively taken out of the line up in Spring Training when a pitch from Chicago White Sox hurler, Gavin Floyd flew towards the batter and struck him
on his finger. Donald was out of the line up after the fourth game of the exhibition season and it spelled trouble for the hitter.
Donald had an edge this season when Lonnie Chisenhall was in need of some Minor League seasoning. Now the infield roster looks jammed pack. Asdrubal Cabrera and Jason Kipnis currently hold the shortstop and second baseman position, respectively. Jack Hannahan
might be back in the line up, as he is eligible for arbitration.
Nevertheless, Donald is eyeing a positive a year in 2012. Even though he may be on the cards as a utility man, he may never know when a chance comes begging his way.
"This year was probably the most difficult test in my career," Donald said. "The biggest thing is I want to be here. I want to be a part of this. I want to be a part of what we're building here. Whatever role I'm given, I'll gladly accept it. I just want
to have a chance and an opportunity to play. That's all you can ask for."
Donald played 39 games this season, slotting home one home run, 13 runs and 8 RBIs. His batting average was .318.
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