Expectations were initially high for Darnell McDonald. As a high school sensation, the Colorado native was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles in 1997. In the minor leagues, he struggled mightily in both AA Bowie and AAA Ottawa, failing to hit over .300 for an entire season. McDonald, however, rebounded to debut with the Orioles in 2004. In 17 games, he batted just .156. After being released by Baltimore, McDonald had trouble finding a home in stints with both the Reds and Twins.
He did not even join the Red Sox organization, in fact, until the baseball season had already begun. General manager Theo Epstein signed the veteran outfielder to provide depth following Jacoby Ellsbury being placed on the disabled list. On April 20th, McDonald made his first appearance with the Red Sox as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. Down by two runs to the Texas Rangers with two outs and a runner on second base, McDonald hit a game-tying home run. He then blasted a ball off the wall in the next inning to win the game, edging the Rangers, 7-6. Look for McDonald’s playing time to decrease with the return of Ellsbury, Jeremy Hermida, and Mike Cameron. Nevertheless, he has shown consistency at the plate, and the 31 year old possesses a knack to contribute off the bench. If not on the Red Sox in 2011, expect him to stay in the major leagues as a proven fill-in producer.
Before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Red Sox in 2007, Daniel Nava played in the independent league. With extremely small crowds and poor salaries, such was not the ideal setting for a young outfielder. The Pawtucket Red Sox, however, were a different story. Abound with future stars, Nava played up to form, batting .294 with hit 8 home runs in his first minor league season. Notoriety later arrived for the native of Redwood City, California after he hit a walk-off grand slam, on the only pitch of his first MLB at-bat, against the Philadelphia Phillies. Daily production was the next step for Nava, which he again achieved. In 24 games this season, he hit.300 with one home run, 16 RBIs, and most notably, 10 doubles. Unfortunately, Nava’s future with the organization is rather bleak. At 27 years old, he is reaching the prime of his baseball career in an organization littered with talented outfielders. Unless Mike Cameron severely deteriorates, Nava will likely not be on the Red Sox next season.
Ranked among the Red Sox’s best prospects in 2010, Felix Doubront’s success is not a surprise. He has excelled on every minor league level since signing with the organization at 17 years old, and the Venezuelan is currently the youngest player on Boston’s active roster at age 22. This season, Doubront has made two starts in replace of injured All-Star pitcher Clay Buchholz. In a June 18th clash with the Dodgers, he picked up the win in five innings of work. Doubront gave up just three runs. Against the Tampa Rays on July 6th, he went five and two-thirds innings, allowing 2 runs, but unfortunately, the 6 foot 2 inch left hander got the loss.
Blessed with a deceptive fastball, a solid changeup, and a potentially dangerous, he looks to start regularly for the Red Sox down the road. Doubront’s best asset is his control, and he locates all of his pitches extremely well. The only concern for the former undrafted free agent is health. Doubront missed much of 2007 with injuries, including a hernia operation.
In my opinion, much credit for the success of this trio and the entire ball club needs to be given to manager Terry Francona. He does such a fabulous job in acclimating young players to the Boston environment. Theo Epstein should not be forgotten, as well. Year after year, the Red Sox general manager continues to build on an already loaded farm system. Next up, on the diamond of Fenway Park should be first baseman Lars Anderson. At 6 foot 4 inches with elite power, he could be David Ortiz’s replacement at the DH spot.
-Henry Lee
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