John McDonald hits his power stride

It was something that one would think could only possibly happen in MLB2k7 or MVP Baseball 2005. It was no video game simulation, John McDonald hit a 3-run game winning home run. Let that sink in for a minute.

With his epic 3 for 4 night, Tao of Stieb pointed out earlier today that Johnny Mac has actually surpassed Kevin Millar in terms of OPS numbers. At least Millar is aware of the fact that he hasn’t been all that great at the plate this year. In yesterday’s live chat on Bluejays.com, he seemed remorseful:

“I didn’t do a great job with my role, to be as consistent as I wish I could have been … sorry I didn’t hit higher this year for you guys off of the bench”

It’s hard to hate on a guy who knows that he hasn’t been pulling his weight this year. I know I’ve been tough on Millar lately, but it seems like Cito Gaston is setting him up for disappointment when he puts him in the cleanup spot.


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Millar is not suited to be a number four hitter, but if his manager puts him in there then Millar has to go out there and do his best. Statistically, Millar hits best in the seven spot (.267 AVG) as opposed to the cleanup spot (.186 AVG).

Last time I checked, isn’t it the manager’s job to realize where their players are best suited to hit in the lineup?

Ian Hunter

Ian has been writing about the Toronto Blue Jays since 2007. He enjoyed the tail-end of the Roy Halladay era and vividly remembers the Alex Rodriguez "mine" incident. He'll also retell the story of Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS to his kids for the next 20 years.

5 thoughts on “John McDonald hits his power stride

  • September 9, 2009 at 9:04 pm
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    JMac is someone you have to cheer for. I try to will him to succeed, so to see a three run homerun was awesome to watch. As much as he tried to play it cool you could tell he was excited. Amazing that a role playing journeyman can still look like a little kid that just hit his first homer. JMac will never get jaded…

  • September 9, 2009 at 9:07 pm
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    You have to love Johnny Mac because he seems like a very mild-mannered player that lets his glove (and bat on occasion) do the talking.

    I always liked cheering for the underdog and would've liked to see him play more game this year, but the only way that would happen is if Scutaro went down to injury.

  • September 10, 2009 at 12:33 am
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    If Millar's so god damn sorry let's see him donate the $150,000 that he's collected in PA bonus' to charity. Yeah, I don't see it happening either.

  • September 10, 2009 at 12:35 am
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    I'm sure Millar is a very charitable guy, but I don't understand why they're still paying him plate appearance bonuses while there are lots of great talented hitters still in the minors.

  • September 10, 2009 at 12:31 pm
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    I'm with you on that one. If fiscal responsibility is the plan, why pay money when it doesn't matter? Even if Millar is the best option to help win games now it is not really of any importance. That and Millar is not the best option…

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