- Full name Jonathan McDonald
- Born
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Despite compiling a 31-9, 3.94 record at Florida State, McDonald was overlooked in the draft after his junior season in 2000. Two outings in the Cape Cod League with a new arm slot and increased velocity was all the Twins needed to see before signing him as a free agent for $50,000. Like many Seminoles pitchers, he threw from a low three-quarters arm slot in college, which generated more movement at the cost of velocity. He jumped from 85-87 mph to 89-92 in the Cape when he went to a high three-quarters delivery. Control never has been an issue for McDonald, and he complements his fastball with a polished curveball and deceptive changeup. He had Tommy John surgery as a freshman but has been healthy ever since. McDonald led the Puerto Rican League in ERA this winter, enhancing his chances to move into the Edmonton rotation this year.
