Another week, another Phillie makes the grade
Donald has quietly had a productive first full season in the big leagues last year, hitting .310/.409/.447 in 238 plate appearances with low Class A Lakewood and .300/.386/.491 in 336 plate appearances with high Class A Clearwater. The success has carried over into 2008 for Donald, who in 23 games is hitting .337/.444/.470. Donald is a selective hitter with a line-drive swing, but some scouts question whether he will be able to stay at shortstop or whether he has the hitting tools to ever become more than just a utility man. In an organization that boasts Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley in the middle of its big league infield—and with Utley signed through 2013, Rollins through 2010 with a club option for 2011—it’s not quite the ideal situation for Donald, but he is increasing his value with every productive game.
Again with the utility player tag. Sometimes BA underrates until its too late, but we’ll see where Donald ends up at the end of this season.
There will be a chat at BA at 2:30 Eastern.
Phuture Phillies 
I’d like to think that Jason Donald’s emergence last year cleared the way for Gillick and Co to trade Costanzo.
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I think Costanzo’s poor play made him expandable.
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re: donald, remember what ” the scouts ” said about ryne sandberg. go with your gut ala dallas green in 1980 and 81. donald will be an above mlb player. as for howard there is no who called for him to be up 4 years ago more than me, it has now gotten ridiculous. give him a week with rollins back and if he continues like he is find a mysterious injury and send him to reading to remember how to hit. imagine how far ahead this team would be with him at normal. by the way does anyone know how bastardo is doing at reading? ive been away. one thing i do know is that this team, the phillies, will need new pitching blood by the all- star break.
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Off the top of my head, Bastardo went 5.2 innings, gave up 2 runs and struck out 10 in his Reading debut. I could be off with those numbers though
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He struck out 4 in his first start and 7 in his second start. He got bombed in his second start and he now has a 1-1 record with an 4.22 ERA in two opportunities.
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