J.D. Drew

Drew enters the final year of his five-year deal in Boston, a signing which general manager Theo Epstien might admit to being disappointed with if you plied him with truth serum. It's been a mixed bag with Drew in Boston, with effortless defense, some incredible hot streaks and big hits interspersed with low run production and a slew of non-threatening injuries that kept him out of the lineup. He's never generated more than 68 RBI in four seasons in the middle of one of baseball's more potent lineups. Drew will occupy right field and hit sixth or seventh in the order entering the 2010 season, which should be his last for the Red Sox.

The debate in Boston continues to rage as to whether Drew has been worth the five years and $70 million given to him prior to the 2007 season, but Red Sox management clearly value his contributions. Boston general manager Theo Epstein likes to point to esoteric statistical analysis as proof of Drew's value to the team, but the naked eye could see that the Red Sox lacked middle-of-the-lineup power and production at times last season. So while all the walks Drew draws may have been helpful, it would have been nice to see him knock in more than 68 runs (.213 RISP), especially in a batting order with so much potential. He showed more power (24 HR) than he had in his past two seasons with Boston, which could be a big boost to a team looking to add a big bat in the offseason. Drew underwent surgery on the AC joint in his left shoulder, but is progressing well by all accounts and will be ready to begin spring training. He'll begin the 2010 season as Boston's starting right fielder and could provide some of the production the order was lacking last season.

Drew's highly productive June (12 HR, 27 RBI, 1.309 OPS) may have saved the Red Sox' season when David Ortiz went down with a wrist injury, but on balance, 2008 was another disappointing one for Drew in Boston. That's mostly because of a back injury that stayed with him from August until the end of the season. And his numbers outside that hot month were pretty mediocre. But as was the case after his first season in Boston, Drew is still in the middle of a long-term contract and will be the starting right fielder come 2009 Opening Day.

Despite his heroics in September and during the playoffs, Drew had a generally disappointing season in 2007. He dropped significantly in nearly every important statistical category from his 2006 campaign, including a shocking fall in home runs (20 to 11), RBI (100 to 64), OPS (.891 to .796) and SLG (.498 to .423). While he still possess the sweet swing and five-tool capabilities that caused the Red Sox to pay him $14 million per year, fantasy owners should express concern at his declining numbers during a relatively healthy year (140 games played). Drew will continue as the Red Sox's starting right fielder in 2008, but we would be wary of his 2007 free-fall and injury history.

After one injury-riddled season and one productive one for the Dodgers, Drew exercised his option to opt out of the remaining $33 million on his original contract and sign with Boston for more money. It was good timing for Drew, as he played in a career-high 146 games while driving in 100 runs for the first time in his career. Sure, the normal Drew injury caveats apply, but when healthy, Drew can be counted on for a .900 OPS (probably higher in Fenway Park), especially being another year removed from shoulder and wrist injuries that hampered his power. He'll likely hit fifth in Boston behind David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, a spot that should provide plenty of RBI opportunities.

Drew followed up a career-year in 2004 with an-injury marred season that saw him play only 72 games. While a broken left wrist ended his 2005 season, it's the postseason surgery on a frayed labrum in his right shoulder that may keep Drew from being ready to start the 2006 season on time. Meanwhile, before the broken wrist Drew had just started to dig himself out of a horrendous early season slump to post serviceable numbers, especially when factoring in the park context. He'll come at a reduced price this year, but with the obvious risks attached.

Drew played a career-high 145 games in 2004 and had a monster season. His talent at the plate has never been in doubt; it's his ability to stay healthy that has always been a liability. Last year was the first time he's played more than 135 games and just the third he's played more than 110. He signed a five-year deal to patrol centerfield for the Dodgers and is a high-risk, high-reward play as always.

A very good hitter who may never get past 140 games a year, Drew can be a championship-caliber player in those 140. Drew needed to get away from Tony La Russa, and should be better under Bobby Cox. Watch his lineup position; he might drive in 110 runs batting fifth in the Braves' lineup, or 130 if his knee holds up.

After going .323/.414/.613, better per at-bat numbers than teammate Albert Pujols in 2001, a bum left knee contributed to an ugly .252/.349/.429 campaign in 2002. Drew was scheduled to have surgery on the knee sometime this offseason.