Trent Durrington

[DownUnderDodger]

The following article was in our newspaper today:

Durrington's Mission is to pull his Sox up.
Trent Durringtons mission to earn a spot on the Boston Red Sox 25 man Major League rodter for 2006 starts tomorrow when he steps to the plate for Queensland in the Claxton Shield.

The 30-year-old who has just been signed by the Boston Red Sox organisation, is using the national championships being staged primarily at the Blacktown Olympic Park to get reday for spring training in the States.

Durrington, who was born in Sydney but moved to Queensland at the age of 15 isn't alone, however, with over 60 of Australia's 110 professional baseballers playing the week long Claxton Shield.

"I go into spring training in the States every year fighting for a job" Durrington said. "Playing in the Claxton Shield give me a chance to face live pitching and get your timing and feel back at bat. That's why the tournament is great preparation for spring training. It's the reason I have hit very well over there for the last four years."

Durrington has spent time in the majors every season over the last five years with the Anaheim Angels and Milwaukee Brewers but hasn't managed to hold down a permanent spot on their 25 man rosters.

Although he feels he's got his best chance with Boston this season he's going to have to earn it at spring training.

"It goes for virtually all Australians playing professionally. No-one is on a guaranteed contract so we are always fighting for jobs and from day one you've got to impress the coaches." Durrington added. "Boston is a good opportunity for me. I'm looking forward to it and hopefully the timing is right. I want to make the club out of spring training in a super utility role."

Does anyone feel that Trent has any hope of making it to the 25 man roster?

[king_ghidora]

Anything's possible, and sometime players improve from seemingly nowhere. But the infield is already getting crowded, and they haven't even determined who their starting SS will be. Maybe as a 3B backup or something. I would be cool, certainly, to add more international flavor to the BoSox. Right now it's almost all U.S. and D.R.

[DoubleX]

Makes for a good story, but I think the guy is going to have to do a heck of a lot in both the Tournament, and moreso during Spring Training to earn a spot on the big league roster. I'm thinking he's going to have to hit at least .400, show some power, and make some slick fielding plays. I can't really envision a team putting a 30 year old rookie on its roster with no Major League or even American Minor League experience. There will be just too much for him to learn and adjust to. That being said, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he works hard, puts up some good numbers, and gets a minor league spot.

[Kdub Red Sox Fan 4Life]

He actually does have MLB experience. He has appeared in 140 games over 5 seasons with the Angels and Brewers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=4142

235 At-bats in 5 years with a .196 average and 54 K's with no power.

I think at his age and with that resume, he'd be a real longshot to make any big league roster. Best of luck to him though.

[DoubleX]

He actually does have MLB experience. He has appeared in 140 games over 5 seasons with the Angels and Brewers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=4142

235 At-bats in 5 years with a .196 average and 54 K's with no power.

I think at his age and with that resume, he'd be a real longshot to make any big league roster. Best of luck to him though.

Did not know that. I'd say that definitely helps his chances, but I see the minors being his future. Barring a spectacular spring, I think a team like the Red Sox would rather put experienced veterans out there (even if it is Alex Cora and Willie Harris) or young homegrown talent, then a 30 year old with minimal major league experience. But knowing that he has cracked the majors before (I had assumed he had no experience at all), he definitely has a chance, but the odds are stacked heavily against him.

Anyway...I like good stories of perseverance and beating the odds as much as anyone, so I'll be rooting for him.

[DoubleX]

Interesting to note that in addition to his 235 career ML ABs, he has pitched a 1/3 of an inning.

[DownUnderDodger]

Thank you for the comments. Seems Trent will be pushing it for a spot on the 25 man roster. I wish him luck, as I do the BoSox - my favourite AL team.

[snowy73]

I spoke to Trent two days ago at the Claxton Shield Australian senior baseball championship which he is competing at for his home state of Queensland.
(Finals tomorrow see www.baseball.com.au)

He said he is going to pitchers & catchers training then playing in the WBC and then obviously returning to spring training. I think he has a strong chance of making the roster as a utility and 3rd catcher.

He has been impressive in the Claxton Shield batting .500 playing as a DH, catcher and infielder.

Only time will tell. :)

[DownUnderDodger]

Welcome to Baseball Fever Snowy73. You apparently reside in Australia and have a baseball background. We do not get much news where I am on the Claxton Shield but I have noted that Trent has scored some runs in the games he has played, and also note he was rested for at least one game.

It would be great to have your thoughts on Australia's prospects in the WBC - there is plenty of discussion in the International Baseball Forum!!

[snowy73]

I have poste in the international forum a thread on the Claxton Shield which Queensland won on Saturday night in Sydney.

It was an interesting game which improved significantly when Queensland woke up after being 7 - 0 down in the 5th.

Trent Durrington batted in the winning run !! He played 2nd and had a couple of good plays, he did get caught in a 2nd - 3rd run down play, he was tagged on the legs as he dived to 3rd having evaded 3 guys.

He is really fast, I saw him play twice during the week and his speed is impressive. He is also a really nice guy, he signed autographs and I had my photo taken with him !!

I know it is on another forum but I already have WBC roster thread going -
http://mb7.scout.com/fbaseballfrm42.showMessage?topicID=185.topic

I can add it here as well if you wish - will add to it soon