Picture by Matt DeMargel

The Red Sox announced their non-roster invitees a few days ago and at least one name on the list may be unfamiliar to most. Darnell McDonald is an outfielder that the Sox signed this off-season and who has flown under the radar over the past several years, but has had excellent numbers playing in the Winter League this year. After bouncing around in the minor league system, he may have found a home in the Boston system.

Drafted 26th overall in 1997 by the Baltimore Orioles, McDonald proceeded to play in single A for a few years and was promoted to double AA ball in 2000. Since 2000, McDonald has played in double A, triple A and had a few stints in the majors with the Orioles, Twins and Reds. McDonald racked up many honors in the International league becoming a postseason All-Star in 2006, a Player of the Week twice in ‘07 and ‘08 and a mid-season All-Star in 2008.

McDonald was suspended in 2005 for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, but has since recommitted himself to becoming a major league caliber player. McDonald has played a career 68 games in the majors over three seasons (‘04, ‘07, ‘09), with a career best 47 games in ‘09 with the Reds. His .267 average and 28 hits in 2009 showed his potential when given the opportunity.

The numbers that were most surprising and impressive to me are his Winter League numbers. McDonald has hit .378, 6 HR’s and 20 RBI’s in 19 games with Naranjeros de Hermosillo this winter. Although he will not start the year in the majors, he could be a big contributor in the minors, potentially Pawtucket. As a club, having a player in the minors with some major league experience could prove to be beneficial if a few players get injured.

McDonald still has a long road if he is to make the majors agian, but is proving his worth this winter. Considering the length of the baseball season, the more depth a team can have the better off they will be in September. We may very well be seeing McDonald as a contributor late in the season when the rosters expand.

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