JD Drew failed physical?

by socalbob on Dec 17, 2006 11:08 AM CST

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=103

Here is an interesting tidbit on JD Drew. It appears there is some damage in his shoulder which is similar to the problems Scott Rolen experienced. Maybe it's a good thing we didn't sign him. If he loses his power, he is nothing more than Ryan Freel less the stolen bases.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Ahhh Karma Strikes Again

If this is true, how fitting. Watching his here in L.A. and not even being a Dodger fan, I grew to detest this guy and his lack of heart. Why anyone would want to sign this guy is beyond me. He's everything wrong with the modern player, from his agent to fortitude.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Dec 17, 2006 11:16 AM CST reply actions

I'll admit

I was an advocate of signing him for CF. I can't help but think how much of a black-hole CF is for the Cubs. There is not a viable option on the current roster.

For all this guy's amazing talent, his body just can't hold up.

by socalbob on Dec 17, 2006 11:25 AM CST up reply actions

Yep

Serves JD Drew right.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard!! I READ YOUR BOOK!!

by BlueMike on Dec 17, 2006 11:37 AM CST up reply actions

...For what?

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 12:26 PM CST up reply actions

Being JD Drew.

Playing for the Cards.

HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Dec 17, 2006 12:36 PM CST up reply actions

Well, that's reasonable

Much more so than the he "doesn't have heart" BS.

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

I don't understand...

...the hatred for JD Drew. He's not the first to hold out for more money, and he's not the first to opt out of his contract. If people hate him for going after more money, why not hate Soriano?

I'm sorry that he's got shoulder damage, if this is true. I wish he were healthy and playing for the Cubs.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 12:46 PM CST up reply actions

I do admire Drew's talent...

... I just don't like the way he entered the game, his attitude about being drafted by the Phillies, etc.

I don't wish him any injuries. He really could have been a great player if he hadn't been hurt so often. He could have been a LOVED great player if he hadn't been such a jerk.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

What I don't get...

...is why he's a jerk but nobody else is. I remember how he refused to sign with the Phillies, but he wasn't the first or the last holdout. If he felt like he was getting shortchanged, how is that different from Furcal going to LA for more money when, from all indications, he wanted to come to Chicago?

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

Well, let's see.

Thousands of other amateur players accept that there's a draft, and that they are going to be chosen by a team, and sign with them, with the knowledge that if they prove themselves, they'll cash in and perhaps be able to choose their team later.

But Drew is different? He should be able to choose which team signs him? Sorry, but BS. The Phillies picked him. He should have signed with them, played his six years there and left via free agency, if that was his choice.

J. D. Drew should not have been exempt from the rules that everyone else follows.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 2:26 PM CST up reply actions

I thought...

...that the issue was the money, and not the team? If a guy feels he's entitled to more money, and the team doesn't want to give it to him, it is his choice to not sign.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

The difference is...

... Drew was an amateur getting into the game, not a free agent as, say, he was after exercising the out clause this year.

The comp is Matt Harrington, who the Cubs just signed. Harrington was drafted and didn't like who he signed with, so he played independent ball, and wound up screwing himself because he just wasn't as good as he was billed.

Drew's talent won out, but he shouldn't be able to pick his team like that. If you're an amateur, getting into organized ball for the FIRST time, you get picked, the rights should stay with that team, unless traded. The Phillies had a first round pick and chose a great amateur player. They wound up with NOTHING for it.

Had they had the right to TRADE Drew's rights, at least that would have been fair.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 2:33 PM CST up reply actions

That isn't the issue

Drew would play for the Devil Rays if they gave him they money. It wasn't that he didn't want to play for the Phillies. It was that the Phillies didn't want to pay him the $10M he was looking for - even though he made it clear before the draft he'd be looking for that kind of money.

If a guy is just trying to pick a team, I'd agree with you. But if a guy is trying to get the money he thinks he deserves, but the team won't give it to him, that's the team's loss. The player takes a risk, as Harrington did. Drew won and he got the money he wanted.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 2:40 PM CST up reply actions

You're saying...

... the Phillies shouldn't have taken him.

I'm saying an amateur player, under the current system, shouldn't have the right to make such demands.

No surprise that Scott Boras was his agent.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

ALL drafted players...

...are allowed to make salary demands. It is everyone else's choice not to hold out for more. Some do. Many get their cash, either that time or the next time around.

The Phillies shouldn't just be able to get a guy at any price they want because it is the amateur draft. That's not the business of the game anymore.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 3:43 PM CST up reply actions

I disagree with you.

The draft is set up so that all teams have equal opportunities to get players. What would be fair would have been for the Phillies to be able to trade his rights. Since that's not a possibility, Drew should have played by the rules. The other amateur players do.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 4:20 PM CST up reply actions

Do the draft rules...

...let players negotiate their own salaries? I think so. That means he should hold out for what he wants.

BTW, go see TD's "exasperating" comment on the other diary ;)

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, of course they do.

But they do not let players choose their teams.

Again, if the Phillies had the right to trade Drew's draft rights, I wouldn't have had a problem with this. I think the draft rules should be changed.

Until they are, Drew was wrong. And behaved like an arrogant jerk in being wrong, too.

We'll have to agree to disagree.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 4:29 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, we will

And I don't think anyone is saying that he gets to choose his team. DREW WOULD HAVE CHOSEN THE PHILLIES IF THEY WOULD HAVE PAID HIM!!! He wasn't trying to choose his team. He was trying to get his money.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 4:38 PM CST up reply actions

Essentially, though...

... you ARE saying he gets to choose his team, because as an amateur draftee, the rules are that you DON'T get to choose.

It's different from professional free agency, that's all I'm saying.

Should every amateur draftee be allowed to set a price going into the draft? That's not how it works.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 4:53 PM CST up reply actions

I guess that...

...we're just seeing this very differently.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

It sounds like Al hates capitalism

Baby, you got a stew goin'

by Thelonious on Dec 17, 2006 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

Damn commies

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 5:02 PM CST up reply actions

LOL

Hardly.

But I do believe in playing by the rules. And JD Drew thought he was above them, AND was an ass about it. That's all I've been trying to say.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 5:22 PM CST up reply actions

Drew and Boras...

...just made new rules.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

Just for themselves, apparently.

n/t

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 5:33 PM CST up reply actions

How did he break the rules?

And if he did why was he not punished? Like being kept out of baseball for 3-4 years?

If he didn't break the rules, but found a horrible loophole, has it finally been fixed?

I'm not a fan of Drew, but it looks to me like he just took advantage of the system. A system that at least gives some players a little bit of leverage. IMO, it's not a LOT different than what Matsuzaka did. He didn't get to choose what team he got to play for. The only leverage he had was to tell the Red Sox that he'd gladly go back to Japan and they can try again next year.

Let's say the rules were changed so that if a player refused to sign with the team that drafted him, he couldn't play in the majors or its affiliated minors for... 10 years (from the date of draft, to roughly coincide with minor/major careers and free agency for others). If the players were forced to sign with whatever team drafted them, then why sign them to anything more than, say... living expenses and per diem? Because the owners are nice and want to give money away? If they were allowed to leave via free agency after 3 or 4 years instead of six, I wouldn't have a problem with that.

But by keeping this loophole (that's rarely used, but the threat is ALWAYS there), the players are given at least some bargaining power. And the teams sign them accordingly.

But to be honest, I have NO CLUE how rookie contracts and all that work, so I shouldn't have an opinion. There, I've made your argument for you.

My new motto: GO CUBS!!! They can't be any worse than last year. Right? <shrugs>

by tyger1147 on Dec 17, 2006 5:52 PM CST up reply actions

there is no way...

I'm going to read a post that is this thin and this long. Post it below.

Baby, you got a stew goin'

by Thelonious on Dec 17, 2006 5:56 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry...

just change your comment format to "flat" and then all the comments are wide, and you just scroll to the bottom to find the most recent. You have to get adept with the "parent" button to be able to follow a back and forth. But I like it.

My new motto: GO CUBS!!! They can't be any worse than last year. Right? <shrugs>

by tyger1147 on Dec 17, 2006 6:33 PM CST up reply actions

what is the difference...

between flat and flat unthreaded, and what does "rate" do.

Baby, you got a stew goin'

by Thelonious on Dec 17, 2006 9:06 PM CST up reply actions

Capitalism does not = Good for Baseball

I'm all for the American way, but the business side of baseball is doing great harm to the "Game" of baseball. Financially baseball is prospering, but competitively it is a joke.

Can't we all just be equally capitalistic :-)

Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player. ~Author Unknown

by Rotodaddy on Dec 17, 2006 8:36 PM CST up reply actions

Al

it is common for players to let teams know what kind of contract they expect BEFORE the draft, thus in some way directing which team they go to. also, players often will get drafted, and if they don't like what kind of contract they get offered or where they are drafted, go to college for another year and try the draft again the following year.
i'm not sure what happened in drew's case, but maybe the phils were in the wrong to a degree by thinking they could strong-arm drew into a bad contract.
i think life would be simpler if all sports used the NBAs pre-determined contracts for rookies. would be near-impossible in baseball considering how many people get drafted, but i still like the concept. would certainly help get football players into camp sooner.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Dec 17, 2006 6:17 PM CST up reply actions

apparently

that's exactly how it works.

You're railing against a system that is there for the taking. JD Drew took advantage of it. The Phillies made a horrible mistake in calling a bluff that was not a bluff but a serious contract demand.

In my opinion, your complaint is against the system and not JD Drew.

And just to emphasize a point someone made in a post that is obscenely skinny, this really does happen all the time. Teams draft high school players knowing they may go to college. The players who get drafted often decide that they don't want the deal they got and go to college, or stay in college for another year.

It's just something that teams look at when they evaluate players. Will he go to college? If yes, they move him down their draft board. That's basically what JD Drew did, except he waited for a contract he liked.

Basically, the system is broken and JD Drew/Boras took advantage of it. It seems like you won't accept that JD Drew broke no rules and that, in my opinion, the Phillies are really the party to blame. They should have known he wanted that contract and moved him down their draft board accordingly. What moron would draft a player who was demanding $10 Million if your organization was philosophically opposed to playing a rookie that much?

MURTON!!!

by tal1286 on Dec 17, 2006 6:47 PM CST up reply actions

I agree Al

I also think that something that gets over looked is the fact that he gets a chance to do something that is a gift a select few will ever have. There were probably 100 guys that year that never even got a sniff and would have played for food money. I don't wish him injury, but what he did was bush. I'd give me left leg to play with that talent.

JKuhle "I'd walk through hell in a gasonline suit to play baseball."

by TCobb1911 on Dec 17, 2006 6:41 PM CST up reply actions

There's my point.

Yes, what Drew did was "legal". It shouldn't be, and it violates the spirit of the amateur draft.

Did he manipulate a loophole. Yes. Was he entitled to? Yes. Does it make him an asshole? Yes.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 6:44 PM CST up reply actions

Holy Cow

The spirit of the amateur draft? Really?

And how in the world does him taking advantage of a loophole or such make him an asshole? I would've done the same thing.

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 6:51 PM CST up reply actions

because

he obviously thought he was better than he really is and screwed the phils in the process.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Dec 17, 2006 7:08 PM CST up reply actions

No it doesn't!

First off, I need to know the specifics, otherwise I'm just an idiot and barking up the wrong tree.

BUT

It's happened before him and it will happen afterwards. There are a lot of players that get drafted after their frosh year in college, and don't sign for what they wanted, or hell, don't get drafted as high as they wanted, and then they return for the next two years (they have to stay for two more if they declare after frosh and don't sign) and get redrafted. I don't know the numbers, but I know it happens.

What makes JD Drew an asshole is NOT that he did it, it's A) the way he went through the media (he was in the national spotlight because of what he did at Florida State) which may or may not be attributed to Scott Boras tactics and B) all the "whining" and "lack of hustle" are what you really dislike. IIRC, he was perceived to use the "whining" through the media to get the deal he wanted. That's what makes him an asshole.

NOT the fact that he does what plenty of other players do.

My new motto: GO CUBS!!! They can't be any worse than last year. Right? <shrugs>

by tyger1147 on Dec 17, 2006 6:52 PM CST up reply actions

the cliffnotes

Before the draft Boras and Drew declared they wanted $10 Million from whatever team drafted Drew.

I guess the Phillies said they wanted him, Boras warned the Phils that they weren't joking about the contract and signing bonus. The Phillies thought he was bluffing or that he would sign anyway and they were 100% wrong.

You're free to form your own opinion of who is wrong and right and who is dumb and who is an asshole but I think the clearest point is that the Phillies made a huge mistake in judging Boras and Drew who really didn't do anything wrong.

I mean, let me say it like this. When a recent college grad or senior or whatever is looking for a job, should they be obligated to take the first job they get offered if there is no rule stopping them from sitting out the year and waiting for a better offer?

Obviously it's different because a college grad has to get work but who wouldn't wait for the contract they believe they deserve? I really don't think there's a single person who would take less than they expect to because it's not in the "spirit" of whatever it is they're doing.

MURTON!!!

by tal1286 on Dec 17, 2006 7:01 PM CST up reply actions

First of all

There is a difference. A recent college grad (myself) isn't negotiating millions. They're negotiating the chance to get health insurance.

I'm not talking about what is legally right or wrong, its what is morally right or wrong. What is unfair and disrepectful to the game people like myself hold up so high. The people whose faces first filled the walls of Cooperstown had to have winter jobs. And this jerk comes in and implies "I'm better than everyone, I have no respect about taking my bumps and proving myself. I'm above the game". Its ironic that people will post here saying that what he did wasn't against the rules and we can't call him an asshole. Yet 95% of people here have posted their hatred and anger to steroids. Thats not illegal (well wasn't), thats something that is your choice, and the same people that don't like that and call Sosa, Bonds, and Giambi assholes are doing it becuase in their eyeys its morally wrong. I know its apples and oranges but to me, when you disrepect the game in any way you're a dunce. Where I'm from the money we see playing ball is if you get hired for a tournament; and thats a hot dog a beer and a pat on the ass saying thanks for coming out.

JKuhle "I'd walk through hell in a gasonline suit to play baseball."

by TCobb1911 on Dec 17, 2006 8:11 PM CST up reply actions

seems like

you are mad at him because you are jealous of him, not because he did anything wrong.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Dec 17, 2006 8:40 PM CST up reply actions

That might be the most

ignorant thing I've read since being on here. You want me to say that I'm jealous. Fine, I am. I'd do anything within the boundries of my morals to have that talent. To have that opportunity. So you wanna hear the truth, there it is. I'm not pissed at him because he got a chance I never did, its because he pissed on the game; all over it. I love this game just like a lot of people here do. Its what I think about all day long. Its what makes me happy. And because you work your ass off to get to the next level and some people its just not cut out for, like myself. What pisses me off is you got a guy who just took a dump on the game and the respect for the game. You damn right it pisses me off. It pisses me off because there are people out there that had they had his talent and his opportunity they would have taken it and ran in the blink of an eye. If you can sit there and say that the reason it pisses me off it because I am jealous then thats bullcrap. I still get to play and I do it with the piece of mind I don't discrace the game with an attitude of a jackass.

JKuhle "I'd walk through hell in a gasonline suit to play baseball."

by TCobb1911 on Dec 17, 2006 8:50 PM CST up reply actions

that's not fair

he took his talents and made it to the highest level possible. He didn't roll out of bed and just make it to the major leagues. He worked his ass off from Little League, Colt, Pony, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack, High School, and College. I bet his has lifted over 1 million ppounds of weight, ran thousands of spints, caught thousands of fly balls, and hit millions of baseballs. Please give him some credit for the work he did put in to get to this level.

I understand the crux of your arguement, but it is a bit overboard.

by socalbob on Dec 17, 2006 9:00 PM CST up reply actions

NO.

Its not overboard. I responded to someone stating jealousy as the reason for my feelings, and that is disrespectful to say, very. Also, I never said he didn't work his ass off, but a lot of people do and don't get that opportunity. Sure, he busted tail, he had to. That talent doesn't come easy. But that furhters my point. He worked his butt off for what? To disrespect the game? Thats crap. A bit overboard? Why? Becasue thats how I feel. Because my passion for this game has led me to feel this way? Because people with those feelings are a dying breed, simply shown by the antics of JD Drew.

JKuhle "I'd walk through hell in a gasonline suit to play baseball."

by TCobb1911 on Dec 17, 2006 9:06 PM CST up reply actions

fair enough

but the point is that everyone wants to try to get the best deal possible for themself with the rare exception of somebody taking a hometown discount (although you could argue that it is in fact the best deal for them) and sometimes people can afford to go to extraordinary measures to do so.

You can't deny the truth in that.

MURTON!!!

by tal1286 on Dec 17, 2006 11:52 PM CST up reply actions

The Amateur Draft

is so flawed it should be abolished anyway. How is it fair that Johan Santana can sign a free agent contract for $X million at 16 years of age, while Drew has to sign for less because he was drafted?

Also, J.D. Drew is usually hated on for wasting his talent. I was reading Three Nights in August (before I misplaced in a recent move), and LaRussa laments that Drew could be so much better if he just worked at baseball a tiny bit and put some effort into it. His abilities allow him to loaf and be an above-average player, and he's ok with that.

"My uncle says you've got a screw loose." -- "Your uncle molests collies."

by jcub on Dec 18, 2006 6:18 PM CST up reply actions

It's Not B.S.

Drew has no heart, no guts, no fortitude. Period.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Dec 17, 2006 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

...So?

Even if what you say is true, who the hell cares (well, you, obviously) as long as he produces?

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 4:35 PM CST up reply actions

haha

are you kidding? his lack of heart is what has kept him hurt and PREVENTED him from producing.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Dec 17, 2006 7:11 PM CST up reply actions

That is complete nonsense

His lack of heart is what gave him chondromalacia in his left knee? His lack of heart is what caused Brad Hasley to hit him in the wrist, causing him to miss a lot of time in '05? Utterly ridiculous.

Despite missing a lot of games because of injuries, Drew is still one of the best players in the game and has been throughout his entire career.

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 7:22 PM CST up reply actions

you refer to

two injuries, when he has had at least seven injury plaged seasons. Also, the knee injury im sure could have been avoided by proper conditioning.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Dec 17, 2006 7:48 PM CST up reply actions

He doesn't produce, he's soft and I am really glad

the Cubs didn't chase him for a multi-year deal.
He's a mirage, he's never put up the numbers that everyone thinks he should.

by cubswin on Dec 17, 2006 7:24 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, he does produce

He's a mirage, he's never put up the numbers that everyone thinks he should.

What does that even mean?

How about his .323/.414/.613 line in '01? Or his .305/.436/.569 line in '04? Hell, how about his .286/.393/.512 career line? What part of that is a mirage?

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 7:30 PM CST up reply actions

I think he's talking about...

... the fact that Drew is always hurt -- and apparently is again.

Those numbers look really nice, but if they're only there 2/3 of the time, then they're only 2/3 as good.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 7:36 PM CST up reply actions

Yea, I kinda figured that

That is a valid complaint, but even if he does only play 2/3 of the season, he is still very productive. That's what I'm trying to say. I'd rather have Drew for 2/3 of a season than Soriano for a full season.

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 7:38 PM CST up reply actions

haha

you want to call MY comments rediculous? what is the name of the game? how about scoring runs, mr. drew has scored 100 runs ONCE in a season, in addition to knocking in 100 runs ONCE in a season, how you would prefer this production over soriano is a little weird.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Dec 17, 2006 7:49 PM CST up reply actions

There's your problem

You use two team dependant stats like runs scored and runs driven in to prove your point.

Drew/Soriano

OPS+ - 133/115
RC/27 - 7.25/5.83
EqA - .305/.278

Drew is easily a better offensive (and defensive, for that matter) player than Soriano.

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 7:53 PM CST up reply actions

oh goodness, rebutal

while you are right, i used dependant statistics, you also faltered by using averages and not acculmulated stats. The reason i use runs and runs batted in is because they are stats that we use to measure players AND are dependant on staying healthy and giving yourself a chance to produce. Albert Pujols wasnt the most valuable player because he got hurt and didnt have the chance to produce for a full season and accumulate these stats. Sure, Drew has better averaged stats than soriano, but when dependability comes in, when you look at accumulated stats, soriano clearly wins. Whats drews on-base good for if he doesnt score more runs than juan pierre does?

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Dec 17, 2006 8:04 PM CST up reply actions

Reply

The reason i use runs and runs batted in is because they are stats that we use to measure players

They are very faulty statistics and don't give you a clear picture of how good or bad a player truly is. They should not be used when making a serious assesment of a players value to his team.

Albert Pujols wasnt the most valuable player because he got hurt and didnt have the chance to produce for a full season and accumulate these stats.

Actually, despite missing time due to injuries, Pujols was still better than Howard. The voters just got drawn in by those 58 home runs Howard hit.

Whats drews on-base good for if he doesnt score more runs than juan pierre does?

Once again, you're using a team dependant stat to try and prove a point. Take a look at this:

Pierre - 4110 Abs - 607 Runs Scored
Drew - 3161 Abs - 605 Runs Scored
Soriano - 3902 Abs - 624 Runs Scored

Despite having nearly 1,000 at bats more than Drew, Pierre has just 2 more runs scored. Soriano has scored 19 more runs despite having nearly 800 more Abs than Drew. Drew scores runs at a much better pace. How about a much more useful stat, Runs Created?

Pierre - 4110 Abs - 535 Runs Created
Drew - 3161 Abs - 635 Runs Created
Soriano - 3902 Abs - 636 Runs Created

I shouldn't include Pierre but I already took the time to look up his stats. Anyway, a hitter's job is to create runs. Soriano has created just one more run than Drew, despite his huge advantage in Abs. And despite the fact that Drew has been hurt so frequently, he creates runs at a much better pace than Soriano. To me, it is pretty clear who is the better player.

by VS on Dec 17, 2006 8:30 PM CST up reply actions

interesting

i like the runs created stat, and you cant really argue with it at all, i can say though that sorianos stats have increased the past year and he's increased his ability to get on-base and take walks. From this season on i wonder how his runs created would compare to drew who has pretty much been the same player his whole career.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Dec 18, 2006 1:45 AM CST up reply actions

i mean to say

"increased the past three years"

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Dec 18, 2006 1:46 AM CST up reply actions

Reliability counts

I think statistics show and most would agree that Drew is a better player than Soriano when he's in the line-up. But..........I'll take a still very good Soriano over the part-time Drew any day. Rate stats are great, but if you aren't out there to put them in play then you're really not helping your team that much.

RBI's and Runs are team dependent, yet Soriano outproduced Drew even though Washington's offense was inferior to LA's. Why's that you say? Because Soriano was out there on the field.

This the Cubs we're talking about. Cal Ripken wouldn't have lasted two years before a career threatening injury if he were on the team. Drew might not have made it through the press conference if he signed with the Cubs :-)

Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player. ~Author Unknown

by Rotodaddy on Dec 19, 2006 3:42 AM CST up reply actions

I don't even...

...know what that means.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 4:36 PM CST up reply actions

Last Year In L.A......

...Grady Little had to "handle" Drew as if he were a fragile piece of China. He'd be removed in late innings, not be in the line-up in a day game after a night game, would be sat for the fourth game of a four game series, especially if it was a road game, would be out of the line-up for 2-3 games at a stretch just to give him some "rest", ad nauseum. When questioned about it, because Little never expressly acknowledged the practice, Little would change the subject to something else. Towards the end of the year, Little would answer questions about it with replies like "he's a special player" or "I did what was best for him". His nickname, in addition to Nancy Drew, was Just Disabled Drew. To be sure, he's been hurt by pitches and had injuries just like everyone else. Unfortunately for him, pile those on to mysterious back ailments, sore sides or ribs, a tight hamstring, an aching calf, turf toe, a tight forearm muscle, a headache, a neck ache, pinched nerves, "fatigue", strained triceps, tight biceps, blah blah blah, and you've got a guy who 24 other guys can't wait to see leave. Despite all that, one main reason Colletti was pissed he left was he did give his word he was staying and so Colletti planned accordingly. Next thing you know, Colletti doesn't need a part-time outfielder to pick up in the slack on the days Drew "can't go", but a bona fide starter with power, something he still hasn't found yet. And in the process, tack on to his list of faults a guy who is not interested in team success at all but instead looks out only for himself, even if it means lying.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Dec 17, 2006 10:36 PM CST up reply actions

Apparently....

J.D. Drew couldn't be an astronaut then.

Seems to make a fine baseball player, though.

Baby, you got a stew goin'

by Thelonious on Dec 17, 2006 4:47 PM CST up reply actions

It means

that JD Drew is a whiney-ass punk who doesn't give 100% unless he feels like it. An assessment I agree with.

Still doesn't mean he wouldn't be an improvement over our current CFer, whoever that is.

HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Dec 17, 2006 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

Does anyone...

...have any evidence that he doesn't give 100%? Because his numbers don't seem to indicate that at all.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 4:53 PM CST up reply actions

I have plenty of evidence

that he whiney, but it would take me hours to archive it all.

HENDRY!

by cubbiejulie on Dec 17, 2006 4:54 PM CST up reply actions

That's not what I asked

Not giving 100% and being whiny are different things :)

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

i would be of the opinion

that giving 100% means conditioning yourself to the extent that you do not get seriously hurt every single season. Injuries here and there will happen, a history of injuries on the other hand can be avoided by hard work and good conditioning, ask Rusty Jones.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Dec 17, 2006 7:17 PM CST up reply actions

that is definitely his reputation

but I don't know personally, and I hate going by reputation, because that is often overblown or flat-out wrong.

If what Jessica said below is true, though, he does sound like quite an asshat.

Baby, you got a stew goin'

by Thelonious on Dec 17, 2006 4:59 PM CST up reply actions

Right

I'm absolutely not denying that he might be an asshat, that he might have engaged in tampering, and that he can be bought for the highest price. But that doesn't mean he doesn't give 100% or that he's not a good player.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

Right

He wouldn't be the first guy that tries hard on the field, but is a complete dick off the field. There are a lot of worse offenders then him: Allen Iverson, and Terrell Owens come to mind immediately.

Even so, he sounds like a douchebag, and I'm glad the cubs don't have him, and I hope he has a terrible season. People like him are what is wrong with sports.

Baby, you got a stew goin'

by Thelonious on Dec 17, 2006 5:11 PM CST up reply actions

3 Nights in August

Buzz Bissinger's book (a great read for any baseball fan) portrays Drew in a pretty dim light. Not saying it's the gospel, but if you want a really detailed look at him informed by a lot of inside opinions, it's a good place to start.

by GuntherNancy on Dec 17, 2006 5:11 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks

I hadn't heard of it; I will look into it.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 17, 2006 5:17 PM CST up reply actions

Highly recommended book.

It happens to be about a three-game series vs. the Cubs in August 2003 -- so it's a good look into that Cub team, too.

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2006 6:47 PM CST up reply actions

And Yet the Dodgers...

try to build sympathy for not signing him--blaming "tampering" and unfair practices.

by DudeVf1 on Dec 18, 2006 9:37 AM CST up reply actions

As we

are all baseball fans, and love the game, lets not say that it serves any ballplayer right ot get injured.

JKuhle "I'd walk through hell in a gasonline suit to play baseball."

by TCobb1911 on Dec 17, 2006 12:26 PM CST reply actions

well dont wanna waste a diary on this......

but what about a trade for alex rios of the blue jays?? this guy looks like a stud to me and the from what i read on another site says the reason he isnt playing CF is because of wells. also says the jays want pitching. i think we can accomodate them on that. something like marshall,prior, a reliever or 2 and a minor leaguer.

Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 17, 2006 2:40 PM CST reply actions

Drew is a louse

and I hope Colletti is laughing. Players are entittled to
get as much as they can but there was with the Dodgers
at least a question of intrigrity. Drew told EVERYONE,
Colletti, the media, his teamates that he loved LA, wanted
to stay and was NOT going to exercise his opt out clause
Now maybe Colletti was an idiot for believing him but you
rarely see a GM attack a player that personally ( pretty much
calling him a lying hypocrite who wears his born again
beliefs on his sleave). There were significant indications that
Boras either whispered in the Red Sox ear or vise versa that
if he bolted they would give him lots more money and such
info was passed to Drew.
I don't mind that Drew went for the money, it was how he
did it that makes him a jerk. I think it would be the ulitimate
irony IF he has some type of injury and knew about it when
he signed with Boston. A hypocrite who got caught by
his own dishonesty.

I love the ballpark. I love the city. I love the fans. Aside from how we've played this year, there's nothing not to like about Chicago." Greg Maddux 7/29/06

by jessica on Dec 17, 2006 4:10 PM CST reply actions

I don't know if he is a jerk or not,

but I saw him play in AA Little Rock and he was phenomenal. The game comes so easily to him. He parked one over the right field fence and out onto I-630, which runs past the stadium. Think the Green Monster, but farther down the line.

by Nibbles on Dec 17, 2006 5:05 PM CST reply actions

drew

i knew it was a good idea not to sign this guy.he,s just too injury prone.we already have guys like prior wood and miller that are always hurt.did,nt need another one

by NOMAR on Dec 17, 2006 6:08 PM CST reply actions

JD Drew and his draft

http://www.roadsidephotos.com/baseball/jddrew.htm

An "unbiased" account of what happened. This was written before the final decision. I don't recall what happened. He was either made a free agent and the Cardinals signed him, or he went back to the draft and the Cards drafted and then signed him.

I'm sorry, Al, but you can't call this guy an asshole because of what he did in this situation (well, you can, but it's pretty illogical). All he wanted was to be paid like the guys drafted the year before him. And we're talking $5 million. That's not chump change.

Call him all the names you want by the way he (and his agent) went about this, or everything since then. But I think it's wrong to call him names based solely on what he did.

My new motto: GO CUBS!!! They can't be any worse than last year. Right? <shrugs>

by tyger1147 on Dec 17, 2006 7:02 PM CST reply actions

I think I'll go with the nickname his

Dodger teammates used "Nancy Drew", I hope the deal goes through in Boston. He'll be whining for a trade within a year.

by cubswin on Dec 17, 2006 7:27 PM CST reply actions

The system worked in the NFL, kind of

with disgruntled players -- Eli Manning was still drafted by the Chargers after warnings that he wouldn't sign -- then, was swapped for Philip Rivers, (and other draft choices, one which became Shawn Merriman) who was drafted by the Giants. Manning's action was close to that of Drew. At least the NFL will let teams swap picks, which should be the case in baseball.

by Smooth Jazz Man San Diego on Dec 17, 2006 11:23 PM CST reply actions

Of course

the irony is that what do you think Eli Manning would give to take that whole thing back and play for arguably the best team in the NFL with the RB whom ESPN seems to have crowned one of, if not the best RB ever?

MURTON!!!

by tal1286 on Dec 17, 2006 11:45 PM CST up reply actions

The difference is...

... in the NFL, draft picks can be traded.

I would argue that MLB teams would be better served if they could do the same.

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2006 3:57 AM CST up reply actions

I'm curious...

...as to why they don't. Is the player's union opposed to this?

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 18, 2006 12:48 PM CST up reply actions

san diego

has been making it pretty well on those trades. they have basically traded vick and eli for LT, Brees, Merriman and Rivers

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Dec 18, 2006 8:30 AM CST up reply actions

No...

Brees was taken with a pick they already had. They just took Brees because they hadn't taken a QB in the first round. Sorry, nit-picky, but just sayin.

My new motto: GO CUBS!!! They can't be any worse than last year. Right? <shrugs>

by tyger1147 on Dec 18, 2006 9:13 AM CST up reply actions

Elway did it.

In 1983, Elway was drafted #1 overall by the Colts (still in Baltimore at that time), despite the fact that he'd previously said that he would NOT sign with them.

Baltimore then tried to play hardball with him, saying that, under no circumstances would they trade him. To which Elway said, "fine, I'll go play baseball."

Finally, the Colts, terrified of getting nothing in the first round of the draft, traded Elway to the Broncos for Chris Hinton (offensive guard out of Northwestern...fourth pick overall that year) and two backups.

I remember how much Elway was villified by the media when he flat out refused to play for the Colts. In fact, all of the same things were said of him that are being said of Drew above.

However, the big difference is that Elway turned out to be a heck of a nice guy and played HIS sport the way it should be played....Drew hasn't quite figured out that part yet.

by Santos L Halper on Dec 18, 2006 11:02 AM CST up reply actions

Further...

... again, the difference is that the Colts had an option; they were allowed to trade his rights and got a useful player in return, though no one as useful as Elway.

In baseball, a team threatened in this way has NO choices.

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2006 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

I'm still not sure...

...you're seeing the difference.

Drew wasn't saying "I won't play for the Phillies", he was saying "I won't play for the Phillies for less than $10M". He DOES have that option. This isn't indentured servitude. If a player thinks he's not going to get what he deserves from the team that drafts him, he can become a carpenter. That is essentially what Drew did. He wasn't happy with what he was going to get, and he went to play in another league.

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 18, 2006 1:08 PM CST up reply actions

It would still be fairer...

... if MLB teams could trade draft rights. I'm not saying they should be able to trade PICKS before they make them, as NFL and NBA teams can, but in a case like this, or Matt Harrington's, after the player is chosen, if he and the club cannot come to an agreement on dollars, the drafting club should be able to trade the rights to someone who will.

That way the drafting team doesn't lose out entirely, and the player could still get what he wants.

Under the current rules, Drew not only bent the letter of the rules, but acted like an ass about it.

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2006 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

Curoius

I'm not continuing the argument, because this is another where we are just not going to agree, but I do have another question. Didn't the league change the rules to close that loophole? I'm going off my memory here and I was young at the time, but I seem to remember that everyone was so pissed at Drew that the rules were changed?

Also, I agree that teams should be allowed to trade drafted players. Why don't they allow that? Does it have something to do with the player's union?

Jason Marquis makes me :-d~o~o~o~

by gravedigger on Dec 18, 2006 2:22 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not sure...

... about the rule change.

And yes, the MLBPA would have to agree to any such change in draft pick rules.

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2006 5:32 PM CST up reply actions

Could you explain

specifically how JD Drew bent the rules? I'm just not seeing it.

MURTON!!!

by tal1286 on Dec 18, 2006 6:57 PM CST up reply actions

Hangnail Drew

Looks like Scottie and Hangnail outthunk themselves here, Scottie should have taken Hangnail to the Doctors and made sure he could put him out in the market before he opted out of his LA contract, thats what Hangnail gets for drinking Scotties koolaid!
Just another thought, except for the power, there's nothing comparable to Freel! Freel plays with alot heart, guts, instinct and desire, none of which Hangnail plays with when he gets his DL * on the field

by SlamDog @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Dec 18, 2006 10:19 AM CST reply actions

What happens next ?

If the Red Sox have a real medical issue with Drew
it is likely they will require some kind of Maglio Ordonez
type out clause should he be sidelined by a particular
shoulder injury. I don't think Boras will have much leverage
in shopping him elsewhere.
I sure hope they get such a clause

I love the ballpark. I love the city. I love the fans. Aside from how we've played this year, there's nothing not to like about Chicago." Greg Maddux 7/29/06

by jessica on Dec 18, 2006 3:47 PM CST reply actions

Without knowing more.....

one possibility is that the contract was contingent on passing the physical, as most are. If he doesn't pass it, the contract with Boston is void and Drew finds himself suddenly with no job and the very real fact he and Boras outsmarted themselves by opting out of the Dodger contract. If that's what happens, there will be a huge smile on my face.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Dec 18, 2006 7:59 PM CST up reply actions