New York Yankees: The universally reviled Josh Donaldson
Someone has to be the most hated player in baseball. New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson seems determined to take on that mantle.
He furthered his quest on Sunday against the Rays. There was what appeared to be an attempt to spike Rays’ first baseman Ji-Man Choi and then seemed as though he was trying to sweep out his legs. Of course, when he received a fastball up and in, he reacted as though he had heard someone say that they do not like cheese or tacos.
Does anyone actually like New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson?
This follows an incident earlier in the year where he continued to call White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson “Jackie” after Jackie Robinson after being repetitively told not to. Donaldson claimed that the comment was a joke between the two, something that Anderson disputed as he made his thoughts on the situation well known. This, again, led to a benches clearing incident, something that Donaldson seems to enjoy provoking.
That makes those moments where he gets his comeuppance all the better. He was running his mouth, challenging the Rays to throw him fastballs, only to be struck out on three consecutive heaters in his next plate appearance. But, you know, he has to continue to chirp.
It would be one thing if Donaldson could back up the constant running of his mouth or his generally disagreeable attitude with his production. However, as he has put together a .219/.305/.374 batting line with 12 homers in 453 plate appearances, he has not been able to.
There are players who have become villains but are respected for their performance on the diamond. The likes of Manny Machado and Bryce Harper may be hated outside of their own fanbase but no one is going to dispute their talent and ability. Donaldson, however, is no longer an MVP candidate and has become an aging ballplayer whose opinion of himself and his antics no longer match the production.
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It is difficult to determine who the most hated player in baseball would be. However, New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson is making a strong case.