J.D. Drew is now Available.. Get it Done Stros

tested911 · Nov 10, 2006

J.D. Drew opts for Free Agency

Dodgers' J.D. Drew opts for free agency By JOHN NADEL, AP Sports Writer
Fri Nov 10, 12:41 AM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder J.D. Drew opted out of the final three years of his contract Thursday, making him eligible to become a free agent.

"He led the club in RBIs. You just don't snap your fingers and find another player like that," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said on a conference call. "He wants out, he can have out. He's moving on, we're moving on. We'll find players who like playing here. If he doesn't want to be here, he has the right to leave, and he's exercising that right."

Colletti said he was told Monday by Scott Boras, Drew's agent, that this move was a possibility. Then, Colletti said, he awoke Thursday to find a message on his cell phone from Boras giving him the news, which he received officially by fax in the afternoon.

"You learn in this business never to be surprised," Colletti said. "I'm surprised how it came down. Everything we had heard, everything that had been written led us to believe the player loved being here."

Drew, who turns 31 this month, hit .283 with 20 homers and 100 RBIs last season — his second with the Dodgers. He signed a five-year, $55 million contract on Dec. 23, 2004, and had been guaranteed $33 million over the next three years with Los Angeles.

"It was a business decision," Boras said. "The demand for a five-tool defender, a 25-homer guy, a guy who can drive in 100 runs is pretty clear in today's marketplace."

Drew was limited to 72 games by injuries in his first year with the Dodgers, hitting .286 with 15 homers and 36 RBIs. Previously, he played with St. Louis from 1998-03 and Atlanta in 2004, where he batted a career-best .305 with 31 homers and 93 RBIs.

He has until Saturday to file for free agency.

"After looking at the needs of the clubs, a lot of clubs we felt needed offensive players," Boras said.

Colletti said he hasn't spoken with Drew since Oct. 6 — after the Dodgers were eliminated by the New York Mets in the first round of the playoffs.

"The last time I spoke with him, we had a nice conversation," Colletti said. "I don't really need to (speak to Drew) at this point."

While Colletti refused to say he was angry, his feelings came through during a 30-minute conference call.

"I hang onto my feelings," Colletti said. "You try to use some diplomacy right now."

But the GM also said: "I know J.D. is a spiritual guy and a man of his word. I guess he changed his word. You learn never to be surprised when you're dealing in this arena. People change their minds. People change their word. They move on."

Colletti said Boras never asked for Drew's contract to be re-negotiated. The contract called for Drew to earn $11 million in each of the next three years. Paul DePodesta was the Dodgers' GM when Drew signed with the team.

"I told (Colletti) there was a strong demand in the marketplace for guys with J.D.'s skills," Boras said. "They never made any proposals to us. I let them know we would be open to listening."

Asked about his relationship with Boras, Colletti replied: "Scott does a real good job of what he does. I've known Scott for a long time. All I'll say is he does a really good job of what he does."

Colletti said he thought Drew and manager Grady Little had an excellent relationship.

"I think Grady managed him very well, gave him time off when he needed it, kept him healthy," Colletti said. "He's a middle-of-the-order bat, very gifted player. I don't think this team wins without everyone who participated this year, who contributed, and that includes J.D."

The Dodgers earned just their fourth playoff berth since 1988, winning the NL wild card.

Drew was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, but with Boras as his agent, he refused to sign with them. The Cardinals later picked him and a contract agreement was reached.

"J.D. was very happy in Los Angeles. He liked the players. He liked the team. ... He's not opposed to going back," Boras said. "We let the Dodgers know we're interested in returning and discussing a new contract. Obviously, it was something we had to do in free agency."

But Colletti, who said the Dodgers were already in search of offensive help during the offseason, didn't sound interested.

"It opens up payroll, certainly, for the next three years," he said. "It doesn't change the options out there. There's only one more player out there, one we're not going to pursue. It does change how much money we have."

First baseman Nomar Garciaparra is a free agent. Colletti didn't deny that Drew's opting out of his deal might change the Dodgers' approach with Garciaparra, adding that young first baseman James Loney, impressive late last season, could play the outfield as well.

Matt Kemp, who showed promise last season, is another outfield prospect.

"We've got some good young players here," Colletti said. "I'm glad we have the good young players we've got."

___

No Worries · Nov 10, 2006

Scott Boras, Drew's agent

Methinks a deal breaker.

Nick · Nov 10, 2006

Has there ever been a guy who has performed less, got injured more, and has yet to ever become an all-star.... who actually decides to opt-out of a deal which he was OVERPAID in the first place?

Boras must have an inside-source that's going to compensate Drew (for what, I don't know). Ask any St. Louis fan... the guy is a pansie, always has been, always will be. He sits out games with minor injuries, and he still thinks he's going to become the next Mickey Mantle.

Oh yea, what is that? He's already 31? He still wants to get paid as a superstar?

PASS!

jopatmc · Nov 10, 2006

I would not deal with Boras.

rrj_gamz · Nov 10, 2006

Agreed about the agent problem, however, Drew would be a nice option, in addition to Lee...Of course, we'd have a log jam, so maybe we can deal for a pitcher...

tested911 · Nov 10, 2006

No Worries said:

Scott Boras, Drew's agent

Methinks a deal breaker.
Click to expand...

That MotherF@#%T@ owes us one.... ERRRRRR

by the way here is the link for JD on MlB Stats and all
MLB Profile on JD

JaWindex · Nov 10, 2006

He opted out of 11 million/year?? With all of his past injuries, theres no way he can be worth much more than that.

MadMax · Nov 10, 2006

Nick said:

Has there ever been a guy who has performed less, got injured more, and has yet to ever become an all-star.... who actually decides to opt-out of a deal which he was OVERPAID in the first place?

Boras must have an inside-source that's going to compensate Drew (for what, I don't know). Ask any St. Louis fan... the guy is a pansie, always has been, always will be. He sits out games with minor injuries, and he still thinks he's going to become the next Mickey Mantle.

Oh yea, what is that? He's already 31? He still wants to get paid as a superstar?

PASS!
Click to expand...

yeah. i'm not remotely interested in the Astros picking up J.D. Drew for the very reasons you just said.

macalu · Nov 10, 2006

H to the E to the L to the L to the NO!

Nick · Nov 10, 2006

rrj_gamz said:

Agreed about the agent problem, however, Drew would be a nice option, in addition to Lee...Of course, we'd have a log jam, so maybe we can deal for a pitcher...
Click to expand...

This is seriously disturbing... how many of you actually think Drew is a great hitter?

Hell, I'd wager that Luke Scott can be just as productive over a full season... given the fact that he won't miss a boat-load of games, given the fact that he won't be paid $12 million dollars a year to sit out games with hang-nails, and given the fact that he doesn't have a track record of being a glorified ******* to every team he's ever been on.

Philly - refuses to sign with the team that drafts him.
STL - LaRussa gives him every opportunity to bust out... finally gets fed-up with his "injuires" and panziness, and parlay's him into Adam Wainright and Jason Marquis.
ATL - Gave up great players for him, only to see him bolt the first chance he gets.
LA - Commited huge $$$ over multiple years to a guy who never lived up to that deal, and then decides to opt out of that deal with 3 years remaining.

If I were LA, I'd be overjoyed... saying good riddance.

RocketManJosh · Nov 10, 2006

No deal .. wouldn't even talk to Boras about Drew

toby · Nov 10, 2006

ugh, we need pitching not some lame outfielder

Buck Turgidson · Nov 10, 2006

MadMax said:

yeah. i'm not remotely interested in the Astros picking up J.D. Drew for the very reasons you just said.
Click to expand...

Yeah, spending superstar money on a guy who has averaged 44 missed games a season doesn't strike me as a wise move. Add to all that the fact that he's generally disliked by his teammates & management.

Adding another bat to the Lee-Soriano-Aramis FA pool is a good thing. Quite a few teams are looking for offense, let someone else overpay for Nancy Drew.

Nick · Nov 10, 2006

Buck Turgidson said:

Quite a few teams are looking for offense, let someone else overpay for Nancy Drew.
Click to expand...

What I don't understand is that he was ALREADY being overpaid... by a "glamour" team in a big market like the Dodgers.

What the hell are him and Boras looking for? A $20 million dollar a year deal? I understand that there is a need for offense by many clubs... but one of those teams is the very team he just left (who was set to pay him 33 million for the next 3 years).

Frankly, I really hope this comes back and bites them in the ass... as no team comes up with an offer close to that for a perenially injury prone 31 year old outfielder (who's lost a step defensively), and never had a 40 HR season. Then maybe everybody won't flock to Boras as a client the first chance they get.

htownballa23 · Nov 10, 2006

Why the hell did he opt out of $33 million? He is gonna get injured again this year....and the next....and next. Theres no way he gets overpaid like that again.

kaleidosky · Nov 10, 2006

I would have posted this when I first heard about it.. but I decided this shouldn't go in this thread b/c the Astros shouldn't even consider it. JD Drew, seriously?!

All the arguments have been made above. Just stay away..

Yeah, I can't fathom what he was thinking unless he seriously hated the team, management, clubhouse, or something about the Dodgers that much. If it's purely about money...he's one of the bigger idiots in recent memory with a contract.

Burzmali · Nov 10, 2006

I don't want him, and I doubt the Astros want him. He's injury plagued, and a cancer. And he's represented by Boras.

Originally posted at another forum:

5/28/06 5:58 PM CT
Drew missed his second consecutive game for the Dodgers on Sunday, due to
right shoulder soreness. The right fielder is hoping to return for
Monday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves.
STATS Says:
Drew is hitting .285 with a with eight homers and a team-leading 35 RBIs
in 43 games for the Dodgers this season.

5/27/06 5:18 PM CT
Drew did not play in the Dodgers' 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals
on Saturday, due to right shoulder soreness. The right fielder is hoping
to return for Monday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves.
STATS Says:
Drew is hitting .285 with a with eight homers and a team-leading 35 RBIs
in 43 games for the Dodgers this season.

11/30/05 8:48 PM CT
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Drew pays a visit to Dodger
physicians Frank Jobe and Norman Zemel on Wednesday. The evaluation is a
followup to mid-September surgery to clean out his right shoulder and
wrist. Jobe and Zemel had cleaned out cartilage and repaired a frayed
labrum at the same time they operated on the right wrist.
STATS Says:
The shoulder is a greater concern in terms of preparing for 2006. Drew
says he was told he needs four months to heal, and if all goes well, that
would allow a little time to prepare for the start of spring training.
Drew batted .286 with 15 homers and 36 RBIs in 72 games in 2005. He
didn't play after July 3 because of a fractured bone in his left wrist.

9/15/05 2:12 PM CT
Arthroscopic procedures are scheduled for Tuesday, which will clean out
Drew's right shoulder and right wrist. Doctors will also take a look at
the broken left wrist that landed the Dodgers' outfielder on the disabled
list in the first place. That wrist might be the subject of a cleanup as
well. Reportedly Drew will be ready for spring training, regardless of
the amount of work that is done on him Tuesday.
STATS Says:
His 2005 season is over. In 72 games this season, Drew batted .286 with
15 home runs and 36 RBI.

9/11/05 9:33 AM CT
Drew will be shut down for a week after experiencing discomfort in his
left wrist during a batting practice session a couple of days ago. The
outfielder has been sidelined since breaking the wrist when he was hit by
a pitch in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 3, and there's
a good chance that he won't return this season.
STATS Says:
Drew will be re-evaluated next week to determine if it will be worth it
to take the field before the end of the 2005 campaign. In 72 games this
season, he is batting .286 with 15 home runs and 36 RBI.

8/21/05 11:18 AM CT
Drew continues to recover from a broken left wrist, but he likely won't
be ready to return to the Dodgers' lineup for another 3-4 weeks. The
Dodgers' outfielder has been sidelined since suffering the injury when he
was hit by a pitch in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 3.
STATS Says:
Drew is productive when he's on the field, but his major league career
has been plagued by injuries. Keep him on your bench until he's activated
from the disabled list. In 72 games this season, he is batting .286 with
15 home runs and 36 RBI.

7/6/05 10:01 AM CT
After undergoing evaluation by a hand specialist, it has been determined
that Drew will not need surgery to repair the broken bone in his left
wrist. The outfielder, who suffered the injury when he was hit by a Brad
Halsey pitch in the fifth inning of Sunday's loss to the Arizona
Diamondbacks, was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Dodgers
earlier this week, and he is expected to be sidelined about two months.
STATS Says:
Chin-Feng Chen was recalled to fill the void on the roster. With Milton
Bradley and Ricky Ledee also currently out with injuries, Jayson Werth,
Jason Repko and Jason Grabowski should see the majority of action in the
outfield, while Chen and Cody Ross likely will handle backup duties. In
71 games this season, Drew is batting .288 with 15 home runs, 36 RBI and
one stolen base.

7/4/05 8:39 AM CT
Drew will be placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles
Dodgers after X-rays revealed a broken bone in his left wrist. The
outfielder, who suffered the injury when he was hit by a Brad Halsey
pitch in the fifth inning of Sunday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks,
will be evaluated by a hand specialist on Tuesday to determine if surgery
is necessary. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.
STATS Says:
With Milton Bradley and Ricky Ledee also out with injuries, the Dodgers
are hurting for outfielders right now. Drew broke his hand a few years
ago and was sidelined for seven weeks -- don't plan on having him
available until at least mid-to-late August. In 71 games this season,
Drew is batting .288 with 15 home runs, 36 RBI and one stolen base.

6/28/05 11:37 AM CT
After testing out his troublesome left knee earlier in the day, Drew
declared himself ready, and he returned to the Dodgers' lineup for Monday
night's meeting with the San Diego Padres. The outfielder, who missed the
previous five days with soreness and inflammation in the knee, went
2-for-2 with an RBI double and two walks in a 5-4 victory.
STATS Says:
After Monday's game, Drew said the swelling has subsided, but he still is
not pain-free. He's also lost some strength in his thigh, due to the knee
problem. The Dodgers will keep a close eye on Drew and won't hesitate to
give him a day off if the knee acts up. In 67 games this season, he is
batting .278 with 12 home runs, 32 RBI and one stolen base.

6/26/05 11:51 PM CT
The Dodgers are hoping Drew will feel good enough to try playing on his
tender left knee Monday night, when Los Angeles hosts San Diego in a key
National League West matchup. Drew took live batting practice over the
weekend and said he was doing better, but he added that he wouldn't
return to the lineup until the inflammation is gone.
STATS Says:
That isn't a certainty. Drew tended to caution against expecting him on
the field, and he wants to be completely healthy to avoid the swelling
and discomfort that seems to return when the knee is irritated. Drew, who
is enjoying a productive first season with the Dodgers, has missed five
straight games resting his knee. He is a .272 hitter with 12 homers and
31 RBI in 66 games.

6/24/05 11:20 AM CT
Drew continues to be bothered by soreness in his left knee, and the
outfielder is not expected to see any action on defense in this weekend's
series against the Angels, according to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy.
However, Drew could be used as the team's designated hitter. He has not
played since Tuesday and is hitless in his last five at-bats. In 66 games
this season, he is batting .272 with 12 home runs, 31 RBI and one stolen
base.
STATS Says:
A precautionary MRI on Drew's knee revealed no structural damage, but the
Dodgers are being extra cautious. With Milton Bradley also sidelined, the
LA outfield likely will consist of Jason Repko, Jayson Werth and Jason
Grabowski.

6/23/05 12:09 PM CT
Nursing a sore left knee, Drew underwent a precautionary MRI on Wednesday
and was absent from the Dodgers' lineup Wednesday night. The tests
revealed no major damage, and the outfielder should return to action
within the next couple of days. Jason Repko got the nod in center field
in Drew's absence.
STATS Says:
For now, consider Drew as day-to-day. In 66 games this season, he is
batting .272 with 12 home runs, 31 RBI and one stolen base.

5/25/05 12:56 PM CT
Drew, who has been bothered by a sore right wrist recently, underwent a
precautionary MRI on Monday to determine the cause of the discomfort. The
Dodgers' outfielder has some fluid in the area, but the problem is not
serious enough to keep him off the field. He plans to play through the
pain.
STATS Says:
Drew's injury appears to be affecting his game, as he has not homered
since May 7. He's also seen his batting average drop from .273 to .248
over that span.

5/10/05 1:48 PM CT
Drew has been sidelined since Saturday, battling a nasty stomach virus.
The outfielder, who was replaced in the Dodgers' lineup by Jason Repko,
continues to be listed as day-to-day. He should be back in action on
Tuesday or Wednesday.
STATS Says:
Drew got off to a horrendous start this season, but has performed better
of late. For the year, he is batting .273 with five home runs, 13 RBI and
one stolen base in 28 games.

8/26/04 9:52 AM CT
Drew was back in the Braves' lineup for Wednesday's game against the
Colorado Rockies, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored. The outfielder had
missed the team's previous contest after cutting his head on a dugout
railing following batting practice on Tuesday.
STATS Says:
Even though he needed two stitches to close the gash on his head, Drew's
injury obviously is minor. He is batting .307 with 28 home runs, 76 RBI
and 10 stolen bases in 112 games this season.

8/25/04 11:47 AM CT
Although he was available as a pinch-hitter, Drew was absent from the
Braves' lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the Colorado Rockies after
hitting his head on a dugout railing following the team's batting
practice session prior to the game. The outfielder needed two stitches to
close a gash on his head, and he has been listed as day-to-day.
STATS Says:
Drew is not expected to miss much time with the injury. Eli Marrero got
the start in right field, while Charles Thomas took over in left. Drew is
batting .303 with 28 home runs, 76 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 111 games
this season.

8/16/04 12:15 AM CT
Drew missed the Atlanta Braves' game against the St. Louis Cardinals on
Sunday night with a sore right quadriceps. He was injured in Saturday's
game, scoring from first on a go-ahead double by Julio Franco in the
seventh inning.
STATS Says:
Precautionary days off are a good idea here. Drew never has played more
than 135 games in a season, though he is on course to play in as many as
145 contests in a fairly healthy 2004 campaign for the injury-prone
outfielder.

8/5/04 12:15 PM CT
A sore right wrist limited Drew to pinch-running duties in Tuesday's game
against the Houston Astros, but the outfielder was back in the Braves'
lineup for Wednesday's contest, going 0-for-4 with a walk and two
strikeouts. He suffered the injury on Sunday and was forced to get a
cortisone shot.
STATS Says:
Drew is not expected to miss any more time. For the season, he is batting
.303 with 24 home runs, 65 RBI and nine stolen bases in 96 games.

5/6/04 10:09 AM CT
On Wednesday, Drew received treatment from a chiropractor on his stiff
neck and missed the Braves' game against the San Diego Padres. The
outfielder, who has been absent from the Atlanta lineup the past two
days, said he plans to return Thursday or Friday.
STATS Says:
Due to neck and hamstring injuries, Drew has missed seven of the Braves'
26 games this season. He is batting .296 with three home runs, 12 RBI and
three stolen bases.

5/5/04 10:29 AM CT
Drew was scratched from the Atlanta Braves' lineup for Tuesday's game
against the San Diego Padres, due to a sore neck. The outfielder, who was
replaced by Dewayne Wise, hopes to return to action within the next
couple of days.
STATS Says:
Drew has missed some time this season with a hamstring injury as well. He
is batting .296 with three home runs, 12 RBI and three stolen bases in 19
games.

4/21/04 12:02 PM CT
Drew returned to the Atlanta Braves' lineup for Tuesday's game against
the Cincinnati Reds, going 0-for-2 with a pair of walks. The outfielder
had been sidelined for the previous week with a strained left hamstring.
STATS Says:
Drew has had a history of injuries in his major league career, but can be
a solid contributor, if healthy. So far this season, he is batting .172
with one home run, four RBI and a stolen base in 29 at-bats.

4/18/04 1:24 PM CT
Atlanta Braves outfielder J.D. Drew was held out of his fourth
consecutive game with a mild hamstring injury. Drew is considered
day-to-day and should return by Monday.
STATS Says:
Starting Drew should be safe for next week, but this may be the beginning
of another injury-marred season for Drew, so keep a close eye on him.
Drew is batting.185 with one home run through seven games this season.

4/15/04 2:27 PM CT
Drew likely will miss Thursday's game against the New York Mets, but
hopes to return to the lineup for the Braves' weekend series against the
Florida Marlins. The outfielder has been sidelined since suffering a
minor strain of his hamstring on Monday.
STATS Says:
Drew is off to a slow start this season, recording five hits in 27
at-bats. He notched his first home run of the year prior to suffering his
injury on Monday.

4/12/04 6:37 PM CT
Drew was removed for a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning of Atlanta's loss
to the Mets Monday afternoon, an inning after tweaking his left hamstring
on a flyball.
STATS Says:
The Braves' outfielder said he didn't think the injury was anything
serious, but with his injury history, keep an eye on this development.

9/4/03 11:40 AM CT
For the first time in nearly a month, Drew was in the Cardinals' starting
lineup, going 3-for-5 with a double and a grand slam in Wednesday's loss
to the Chicago Cubs. The outfielder had been sidelined with a strained
muscle in his side.
STATS Says:
Drew may not play on a daily basis, as he has struggle with injuries for
most of the season. The Cards would like to have him available, should
they make the playoffs.

9/1/03 7:46 PM CT
It's been another injury-plagued season for Drew, but his most recent
stint on the disabled list ended after just two weeks. On Monday the
Cardinals activated the 27-year-old Drew, who had been suffering from an
oblique strain. He's batting .281 with 12 homers and 30 RBI in just 79
games for the Cardinals this season.

8/16/03 5:22 PM CT
The Cardinals have placed Drew on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive
to August 9. The outfielder, who has a strained right oblique muscle,
will be replaced on the roster by So Taguchi. Hampered by various
injuries, Drew has played in just 79 games this season, hitting .281 with
12 home runs and 30 RBI.
STATS Says:
Orlando Palmeiro likely will see the bulk of the time in right field
during Drew's absence. Kerry Robinson and Taguchi also could get a start
or two.

7/7/03 12:15 PM CT
Drew was absent from the Cardinals' lineup for the fifth straight day,
missing Sunday's win over the Chicago Cubs with a sore right knee. The
outfielder, who continues to be listed as day-to-day, was replaced by
Orlando Palmeiro. Drew was injured in a collision during last Sunday's
game against the Kansas City Royals.
STATS Says:
Palmeiro and Kerry Robinson will see time in right field until Drew is
able to return.

7/2/03 11:29 AM CT
Drew was in the Cardinals' starting lineup on Tuesday, but was forced to
leave after four innings because of soreness in his right knee. The
outfielder, who was replaced by Kerry Robinson, is still a bit sore from
his collision with Kansas City's Ken Harvey during Sunday's action. He
may be forced to sit out a day or two to rest his ailing body.
STATS Says:
Robinson and Orlando Palmiero will fill in should Drew be forced to miss
any time.

6/30/03 2:41 PM CT
Drew was forced to leave Sunday's game against Kansas City after
colliding with the Royals' Ken Harvey on a play at first base in the
second inning. The outfielder strained his right hip flexor and has been
listed as day-to-day.
STATS Says:
Kerry Robinson and Orlando Palmeiro will see time in the Cards' outfield
should Drew be forced to miss some action.

5/12/03 10:43 AM CT
Drew left during the second inning of Sunday's game against the Chicago
Cubs because of stiffness in his back. The Cardinals' outfielder, who was
replaced in the lineup by Eli Marrero, does not expect to miss much
playing time. He is also recovering from knee surgery.
STATS Says:
Drew has played fairly well since returning from the disabled list. He is
batting .302 with two homers, six RBI and one stolen base in 15 games.

4/20/03 1:29 PM CT
Drew has been activated from the disabled list by the St. Louis
Cardinals. The outfielder, who had been recovering from offseason knee
surgery, was expected to start in right field in Sunday's game against
the Arizona Diamondbacks. He batted .368 with a homer and three RBI in an
eight-game rehab assignment with Class-A Palm Beach.
STATS Says:
Pitcher Kevin Ohme was optioned to the minors to open a roster spot. Even
with knee problems all of last season, Drew connected for 18 homers and
56 RBI, despite batting a career-low .252.

4/17/03 4:20 PM CT
Drew continues his rehab assignment with Class-A Palm Beach. The
Cardinals' outfielder, who is recovering from knee surgery, is 3-for-12
in six games with the minor league club. It is not known exactly when
Drew will rejoin the St. Louis Cardinals.

4/5/03 12:26 PM CT
Drew, who is on the disabled list while he continues to recover from
right knee surgery, has been sent to begin working out at extended spring
training. If all goes well, the Cardinals could have the outfielder back
in the lineup within 3-4 weeks. However, they are not going to rush Drew
back before he is 100 percent.

3/26/03 3:07 PM CT
Drew's recovery from offseason knee surgery has been slowed. The
Cardinals' outfielder almost certainly will start the season on the
disabled list and may miss as much as the first two months of the 2003
campaign.
STATS Says:
Until Drew can return, Eli Marrero is expected to take his spot in the
Cards' outfield.

3/10/03 11:00 AM CT
Drew continues to recover from offseason knee surgery, and likely will
start the 2003 season on the disabled list, according to Cardinals
manager Tony La Russa. Drew's action has been limited this spring.
STATS Says:
Until Drew is able to play full time, Eli Marrero, Eduardo Perez and
Orlando Palmeiro should all see some starts as the Cardinals' right
fielder.

2/3/03 11:16 AM CT
Drew, who is recovering from right knee surgery, had a cyst removed from
his left foot in a procedure performed last Friday. The outfielder is not
expected to be ready to return to the Cardinals' lineup fulltime until
May.

10/25/02 7:24 AM CT
After having surgery to repair tendinitis in his right knee, Drew may not
be ready to return to the Cardinals' lineup until at least May. The
injury forced the outfielder to miss some time this season.

10/18/02 7:17 AM CT
Drew underwent arthroscopic surgery on Thursday to remove a diseased
tendon from his sore right knee. According to Cardinals general manager
Walt Jocketty, the outfielder will be ready for spring training.

10/10/02 10:47 AM CT
Drew plans to undergo surgery on his right knee at the conclusion of the
season. The Cardinals' outfielder has missed some time this year because
of tendinitis in the knee. He should be recovered by spring training.

9/28/02 10:17 AM CT
Drew was forced to leave the Cardinals' game on Friday after being hit by
a pitch in the sixth inning. The outfielder suffered bruised ribs and is
listed as day-to-day.

9/7/02 10:01 AM CT
Drew was removed from Friday's game against the Cubs as a precaution,
after he felt tightness in his left quadriceps. He was scheduled for a
day off on Saturday, and hopes to return to the Cardinals' lineup on
Sunday.

7/15/02 10:46 AM CT
Drew has been activated from the disabled list by the St. Louis
Cardinals. The outfielder, who had been sidelined since June 28 with
tendinitis in his right knee, is batting .267 with 12 homers and 35 RBI
this season.
STATS Says:
Drew takes the roster spot of injured pitcher Woody Williams.

7/1/02 11:05 AM CT
Drew has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the St. Louis
Cardinals because of tendinitis in his right knee. The move is
retroactive to June 28. The outfielder will be eligible to return after
the All-Star break.
STATS Says:
Mike Coolbaugh has been recalled to take Drew's spot on the Cardinals'
roster.

4/24/02 1:20 PM CT
Drew returned to the Cardinals' lineup for Tuesday's game against the New
York Mets. He had missed Sunday's game with a sore knee.

4/22/02 11:01 AM CT
Drew was scratched from the Cardinals' lineup on Sunday because of a sore
right knee. He was replaced in right field by Kerry Robinson and is being
listed as day-to-day.

3/21/02 3:49 PM CT
Drew left in the third inning of the Cardinals' exhibition game against
the Red Sox on Thursday because of soreness in his right knee. After the
game, the outfielder said he expects to play on Friday. He is day-to-day.

3/8/02 5:02 PM CT
Drew returned to the Cardinals' lineup for Friday's game against the
Twins. He had missed the previous five days with a sprained left ankle.
He had a double and scored a run.

3/7/02 3:51 PM CT
Drew, who has been limited over the last few days by a sprained left
ankle, is expected to return to action with the Cardinals this weekend.
The outfielder said he would be playing if this were the regular season.
STATS Says:
The Cardinals have held Drew out as a precaution.

3/4/02 5:40 PM CT
Drew twisted his left ankle during a conditioning drill with the
Cardinals on Sunday. The injury is expected to keep him out of the team's
lineup for the next 2-3 days.
STATS Says:
He injured the same ankle while shagging flies just over two weeks ago.

8/23/01 12:23 PM CT
Drew is now nursing a sore ankle, which he sprained in a game earlier
this week. He is listed as day-to-day for the Cardinals, but does not
expect to miss much time with his latest injury.

8/20/01 12:08 PM CT
According to Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, Drew should be back in the
lineup for St. Louis on Monday against the Reds. The outfielder has
missed the last 12 games with a lower back strain.

8/19/01 9:52 AM CT
Cardinals outfielder J.D. Drew has responded well to Thursday's cortisone
shot in his lower back, but probably won't be available on Sunday.

8/16/01 2:33 PM CT
Drew's return to the Cardinals' lineup is up in the air. He has missed
the team's last eight games with a lower back sprain. He has been taking
batting practice, but may still be over a week away from a return.

8/12/01 10:17 AM CT
Drew had hoped to return from his sore back by Sunday, but will not. He
will sit out on Sunday, even though he said he felt better after working
out on Saturday.

8/10/01 7:39 AM CT
Drew missed his second game in a row Thursday with a strained lower back.
He will likely be out of the Cardinals' lineup until at least Sunday. The
outfielder continues to be listed as day-to-day.

8/9/01 12:09 AM CT
Drew was forced to leave Tuesday's game against the Expos because of
stiffness in his lower back. The injury also forced him to miss
Wednesday's game for the Cardinals. He is day-to-day.

7/31/01 5:43 PM CT
Drew, who missed a month and a half with a broken right hand, has been
activated from the disabled list by the the St. Louis Cardinals. He will
return to the outfield and is expected to bat third in the order.

7/30/01 11:02 AM CT
Drew, who was expected to be activated for Sunday's game against the
Cubs, will instead be activated later this week by the Cardinals. Manager
Tony La Russa said Drew will bat third in the order when he returns.

7/29/01 12:20 PM CT
The Cardinals are expected to activate J.D. Drew for Sunday night's game.
He has been out of action since the middle of June with a broken bone in
his right hand.

7/27/01 12:07 PM CT
Drew began a rehab assignment with Class-A Peoria on Thursday. He was
1-for-3 with a walk in his first game back since suffering a broken hand
last month. He could rejoin the Cardinals as early as Sunday in Chicago.

7/24/01 8:18 PM CT
Drew did not report any pain, but felt a little weak after taking batting
practice on Tuesday for the first time since breaking his hand on June
17. The Cardinals will send him on a rehab assignment within a week.

7/21/01 10:42 AM CT
Cardinals outfielder J.D. Drew had his right hand X-rayed on Friday and
hopes to be cleared to resume batting practice soon. St. Louis manager
Tony La Russa indicated that Drew will be sent on a rehab assignment.

7/17/01 12:47 PM CT
The Cardinals are hopeful that Drew will be cleared to resume baseball
activities after he has X-rays on his broken right hand on Friday.
Manager Tony La Russa expects him back in the lineup in about two weeks.

6/18/01 11:26 AM CT
Drew was hit in the hand by a David Wells pitch in Sunday's game against
the White Sox. The pitch broke a bone in his hand, and the outfielder is
expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks for the Cardinals.
STATS Says:
Drew was batting .330 with 21 homers and 49 RBI.

7/15/00 9:27 AM CT
Reports out of St. Louis indicate Drew may be headed to the disabled list
because of his sore ankle. The Cards will wait until Sunday, when Placido
Polanco is eligible to come off the disabled list.

7/13/00 4:06 PM CT
Drew continues to battle a sore left ankle that is preventing him from
running.
STATS Says:
Drew is expected to miss a couple of games and the DL doesn't appear to
be an option at this time. (RW)

7/9/00 9:57 AM CT
J.D. Drew is unavailable for duty indefinitely because of his sprained
left ankle. He isn't wearing a cast, only a wrap, so he could return
shortly after the All Start break.

4/12/00 5:16 PM CT
Drew missed last night's game with a sore right wrist.
STATS Says:
The Cardinals list him as day-to-day. (RW)

8/8/99 12:00 AM CT
Was scratched from the St. Louis lineup moments before game time with a
bone bruise on his right hand. He is available to play today.

6/30/99 12:00 AM CT
Drew rejoined the Cardinals on Wednesday and was inserted into the
starting lineup.

6/15/99 12:00 AM CT
Is hitting .250 in 32 ABs 0 HR 4 RBI at Memphis on a medical
rehabilitation assignment. His 20 days on rehab expire next weekend &
it's possible he will be optioned to Memphis until he regains his batting
stroke.
STATS Says:
Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty has made it clear that Drew will not be
recalled until he gets his stroke back, so an option to Memphis is
possible. Darren Bragg has played well recently, so there's no immediate
need for Drew.

5/28/99 12:00 AM CT
Drew has been sent to the minors on a rehab assignment. There is no
timetable for his return.
STATS Says:
St. Louis GM Walt Jocketty says that Drew will have to do more than rehab
his strained quad -- he'll also need to show that he's regained his
batting stroke. Should we be reading anything into this? (MO)

5/21/99 12:00 AM CT
Drew has gone on the DL. His strained right thigh muscle has kept him out
of the lineup for most of the last three weeks, and the Cardinals decided
to shut him down and let him rehab it.
STATS Says:
He'll rest for a few days before beginning a rehab assingment. (MO)

5/12/99 12:00 AM CT
Has missed the last few games with strained quadriceps. He is day-to-day.
STATS Says:
Through what must be a fortunate coincidence, the injury caused him to
miss the Philadelphia series, where he was expected to get some heavy
abuse from Phillies fans. (MO)

5/9/99 12:00 AM CT
Drew started on Sunday, but was not able to run at 100 percent.

5/5/99 12:00 AM CT
Drew still day-to-day, missed Tuesday and today due to strained right
quadricep muscle suffered in Monday's game in 3rd inning.

5/3/99 12:00 AM CT
J.D. Drew left the game after straining his right quadricep on a slide
into third base. He is day-to-day.

4/26/99 12:00 AM CT
Drew suffered a sprained left thumb on a play at first base last night.
The thumb was swollen afterward, and Drew may not be able to play on
Tuesday. He will be X-rayed today.
Click to expand...

Nick · Nov 10, 2006

htownballa23 said:

Why the hell did he opt out of $33 million? He is gonna get injured again this year....and the next....and next. Theres no way he gets overpaid like that again.
Click to expand...

Actually, looking at it again, Boras knows that Drew is injury prone and this is likely his last chance to get a high-paying per year contract for him (and a last chance to get a great commision). Even though they already had a 3 year 11 million dollar deal, there's no way that Drew gets a good deal after that one expires (when he's 34).

Thus, even if he has to settle for a 5 year $9 million dollar per year deal (being modest, since some team might be stupid and give him $11-12 million)... its still more total money that he'll see if he keeps his current deal.

emjohn · Nov 10, 2006

Boras = No Houston in his future.

He wouldn't do this w/o something in the wings - my guess the deal is already done. I wouldn't put tampering past Boras.

Evan

robbie380 · Nov 10, 2006

HELL NO!

it would seriously hurt the astros to have this fragile queen. we need pitching to replace andy and roger.

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