J.D. Drew - Fantasy News & Updates
J.D. Drew - Fantasy News & Updates
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Drew submitted his typical strong campaign in ’09, ranking third among AL outfielders with a .914 OPS. While he wasn’t a prolific run-producer, his astute batting eye (.392 on-base percentage) and formidable power stroke made him a rock-solid option in all formats. His lack of durability -- he’s averaged 33 games missed over the last three years -- is the only drawback to his value, but his production has remained a constant when he’s been in the lineup, which is why he’ll once again be worthy of a mid-round pick comes draft time 2010.
So much for any lingering effects from his sore left shoulder that kept him out for Boston's previous four games. He's hit .455 with three homers and nine RBIs over his past 10 games to close another strong season for the outfielder. He hit .279 with 24 homers -- his highest total since he went deep 31 times in 2004 -- 68 RBIs, 84 runs and two stolen bases.
A big night for Drew, who ended a streak of seven games without an RBI. After a mediocre first half, the veteran right fielder has come on strong, batting .310 with 24 extra-base hits, 28 RBIs and 33 runs in 60 games since the break. For the season, he’s hitting .276 with 82 runs and a formidable .898 OPS.
Unlike last year at this time, when Drew was hardly ever in the lineup because of back woes, Thursday's absence was nothing more than a scheduled day off to keep the outfielder fresh and productive down the stretch. Of late, Drew has been hot. He is hitting .336 with nine homers over his past 110 at-bats. His 21 homers are already the best total of his three seasons in Boston. September callup Josh Reddick started in his place and went hitless in five-at-bats.
Drew broke out a .214 slump over his previous 10 games with the monster night, his finest effort since a four-hit outing on Aug. 20. Expect Drew to continue to feast off the Orioles' pitching on Sunday, given that he holds a .379 career batting average at Camden Yards.
Red Sox skipper Terry Francona started regular left fielder Jason Bay at designated hitter, followed by Casey Kotchman (first base), Rocco Baldelli (right field), Josh Reddick (left field) and Nick Green (shortstop) opposite Rays starter Matt Garza, a noted Sox slayer. The Tampa Bay righty entered Sunday 5-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 11 career starts against Boston. The regulars that rested in the opener are expected to play in Sunday's nightcap.
Tuesday's long ball marked Drew's 20th home run of the season, a feat he last accomplished in 2006 with the Dodgers.
Don't look now, but Drew is hitting .377 with seven dingers in his past 19 games, enabling him to match last year's home run total with a month to go.
After going 3-for-14 (.214) over a six-game period from Aug. 21-26, Drew came back on Thursday to do what he had done Aug. 20 -- mash a pair of taters. The pair of multi-homer contests have helped him reach six homers in August, his highest total for any month.
Drew has dealt with back and groin issues, but none of that seemed to matter Thursday. The Red Sox right fielder has a tendency to hit in spurts, which means he may continue to swing a hot bat through the weekend series with the Yankees. He could certainly use the boost to his .251 average, 15 homers and 48 RBIs.
Drew's had his problems staying on the field this year, but what else is new? Of course, when Drew does manage to avoid the trainer's room and work his way into the lineup, he's a solid mixed-league contributor, hitting .254 with 13 homers and 45 RBIs.
Drew notched his first multi-hit game in August after recording just two base hits in 16 at-bats (.125) over six games. Drew hit a tepid .261 in just 46 at-bats last August, so owners will need an improvement on that to justify a starting spot for him in mixed leagues.
Drew didn't start July 31-Aug. 1 in Baltimore but returned briefly on Aug. 2. After drilling a bases-clearing double and scoring on a single by Mike Lowell, Drew had to exit the game in the bottom of the first. Manager Terry Francona indicated that Drew would likely get Wednesday night off, when the Sox face left-hander David Price. Josh Reddick will likely replace him.
Drew was forced to leave the game after he had trouble running the bases in what was the outfielder's first game back since being bothered by a sore groin. His replacement in right, Rocco Baldelli, went 2-for-5 with a homer and a pair of runs scored in Drew's absence. If Drew is unable to suit up, Baldelli should continue to fill in for the ailing veteran. Stay tuned.
The left-handed hitter smashed a three-run double to the gap in right-center during the Sox's half of the first but did not look well running the bases. He then had to score from second on a single by Mike Lowell and was hobbling even worse. When the Red Sox took the field in the bottom of the first, Rocco Baldelli replaced Drew in right field. Injuries have a tendency to linger when Drew is involved so check back for updates before penciling him in.
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