Middle Infielder (R/R) Height: 5’11” Weight: 175 lbs.
Born: 9-24-74, New London, Connecticut
Age at MLB Debut: 24
2004 Stats
Quick Stats
2000 Age 25 AAA 286 AB, .269/.321/.353, 17 2B, 1 HR
2001 Age 26 AAA 410 AB, .244/.310/.305, 17 2B, 2 HR
2002 Age 27 AL 264 AB, .250/.290/.326, 11 2B, 1 HR
2003 Age 28 AL 214 AB, .215/.258/.280, 9 2B, 1 HR
Taken in the 12th Round of the 1996 Draft
Comments:
4-1-03
Because the Indians don’t want to rush Brandon Phillips to the majors, this will be McDonald’s job to lose, and his first real opportunity to be an everyday player. However, if John wants to stay a starter, he needs to contribute more offensively to the lineup. He is still an extremely valuable player as a backup infielder if Phillips beats him out at second.
7-15-03
CLE 123 AB, .252/.288/.341, 6 2B, 1 HR
The same rules apply to John as has been his entire career:
1) He's an outstanding defensive player
2) He can't hit for average or for power
So he'll remain a weekend warrior with Cleveland until he gets too expensive for a backup, which may start happening soon, if he does in fact qualify for arbitration. With Vizquel's recent knee problems and Phillips' recent demotion, this may be John's last chance to play everyday in an Indians uniform.
Contract: 1 year, $314,400 (signed 3-8-03)
2003 Salary: $314,400
Arbitration: 2004
Free Agency: 2007
Started 1995 with Sonoma City of the Independent League
6-4-96: Drafted by Cleveland in the 12th Round; Assigned to Watertown (SSA)
?-?-97: Promoted to Kinston (A+)
Started 1998 in Akron (AA)
6-7-99: Promoted to Buffalo (AAA)
7-4-99: Recalled by Cleveland (MLB Debut)
7-21-99: Optioned to Buffalo (AAA)
9-10-99: Recalled by Cleveland
Played Winter Ball in Puerto Rico after the 1999 season
Started 2000 in Buffalo (AAA)
2000: Spent Rehab Stint in Mahoning Valley (SSA)
8-24-00: Recalled by Cleveland
8-31-00: Optioned to Kinston (A+)
9-4-00: Recalled by Cleveland
4-8-01: Optioned to Cleveland
9-1-01: Recalled by Cleveland
10-9-01: Did not make Playoff Roster
3-3-03: Signed to a 1 year contract ($314,400)
6-30-03: Placed on the 15-day Disabled List (back spasms)
7-14-03: Sent to Mahoning Valley (SSA) on Rehab Assignment
7-15-03: Transferred to Lake County on Rehab Assignment
7-17-03: Reinstated from the 15-day Disabled List