AL East 2015: Ranking the Third Basemen
By Nate Wardle
Sep 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) throws the ball to first base during the ninth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Los Angeles Angels 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
4. Toronto Blue Jays – Josh Donaldson, Danny Valencia, Steve Tolleson
Although Josh Donaldson was an All-Star in 2014, his year was not as good as his season in 2013. 2013 saw Donaldson finish 4th in the MVP race with a slash line of .301/.384/.499, with 37 doubles, 24 home runs and 93 RBIs.
In 2014, Donaldson went .255/.342/.456, with 31 doubles, 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. Donaldson will compete with Sandoval for the crown as worst defender in the division, and for that reason, he and the Blue Jays find themselves behind Manny Machado and the Orioles. There also is a little bit of a history between these two players.
Speaking of the Orioles, both Valencia and Tolleson are former Orioles. Valencia was hurt for part of 2014, but did see a lot of starts, especially versus left-handed pitching, which he feasts on. Tolleson also played well in his role last year for Toronto, and could see himself starting at second base.
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