Josh Donaldson vs. Brett Lawrie: Trade Revisited

Jun 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) leaps to throw out Washington Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor (not pictured) at first base during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Toronto Blue Jays defeated Washington Nationals 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to forget the trade between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Oakland Athletics on November 28, 2014.

It was the deal that brought 29 year old third baseman Josh Donaldson to Toronto. Going the other direction were the youths of the deal centering around 25 year old third baseman Brett Lawrie and two prospects. On paper, it looked like a steal of a deal for the fellas north of the border in Canada. Oakland Athletics’ General Manager Billy Beane was being considered the loser in the deal, with Toronto’s General Manager Alex Anthopoulos as stealing the trade and blindsiding the team from California.

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Beane traded Josh Donaldson to Toronto. Heading to sunny California, along with Lawrie, was pitcher Kendall Graveman. Going along with Graveman were two other minor leaguers in pitcher Sean Nolin and shortstop Franklin Barreto. Playing at the Rogers Centre in Toronto seemed to click immediately for Donaldson while it took a while for Graveman and Lawrie to catch up.

Brett Lawrie has started to take off now in the green and yellow Athletics’ colors. Heading into games on June 29, Lawrie has produced stats almost equal to that in Toronto. Over 270 at bats, he has 77 hits to his name, 3 stolen bases as well as 7 homeruns and 35 RBI’s to his record. He does have a high strikeout amount thus far with 76. Striking out always did appear to come easy for Lawrie even during his days with the Blue Jays. He was always a free swinger!

Brett Lawrie was always loved as a hard nose, infectious Canadian. He gave lots of effort during his tenure in Toronto. His hard work and effort has to be what drew Beane to acquire Lawrie.

Graveman has quietly proven that he has the credentials to make it to the Major Leagues as a starting pitcher. Also heading into games on June 29, Graveman has a 4-4 record, striking out 41 over 63 innings and an ERA of 3.86. Graveman has fit in nicely, along with his other starting pitchers, Sonny Gray, Scott Kazmir, Jesse Hahn and Jesse Chavez.

The jury is still out on how productive Sean Nolin and Franklin Barreto will be. Nolin has not been called up to the big club yet. If an injury occurs this season, perhaps Nolin can be called up for a quick fix band aid move. He’s been battling a groin injury and, with the roster currently healthy, they have decided to option him to Triple-A Nashville. 19 year old Barreto has also not made it to the big club yet. He is currently down in class A ball with Stockton.

Josh Donaldson has been loved by those in Toronto. Over his first 302 at bats, heading into the games on June 29, Donaldson has proven to be a guy with a hot bat replacing Lawrie. He has 91 hits in his first season for Toronto. He has 18 homeruns, 48 RBI’s and 3 stolen bases. Donaldson’s production has been a welcome addition. Adding his lethal bat to the bats of Jose Reyes, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Russell Martin has given Toronto a top 5 in the lineup to be feared.

The All-Star Game is in a couple of weeks at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fans have been voting trying to get their favorites into the mid-summer classic. The Canadian media, as well as Canadian NHL hockey icon, Don Cherry, have been encouraging fans to vote for Donaldson to represent the Toronto Blue Jays. He is in a dog fight with Kansas City Royals’ third baseman Mike Moustakas for the honor of being at the corner infield position. The decision is not out yet, but Donaldson’s definitely making a case.

If you look at the two rosters side by side, one could think that the Toronto Blue Jays are the favorites as they are in contention for a title within the American League East. 77 games into their season, Toronto has 41 wins and are currently 1 game behind the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays for the division lead. They are also only ½ game behind the New York Yankees for the second Wildcard spot. Toronto has not made the playoffs since the World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in 1993. That’s a long time ago! The opposite can be said for the Oakland Athletics. Through 78 games, they have only 34 wins to their season. They currently occupy last place in the American League West and are 10 games behind the surprising divisional leading Houston Astros.

Until one of these teams make the playoffs again, this trade would have to be considered even.

Next: Dickey vs Syndergaard: Trade Revisited