The Value of JD Drew

Is J.D. Drew overpaid? Yes. Is he fragile? Yes. Can hit left handed pitching? No. However J.D. is the most underrated player on this Boston Red Sox team. He can bat almost anywhere in the order without hesitation. He is one of the most consistent players in major league baseball when it comes to On Base Percentage, and he plays an above average defensive right field.

Still having some doubts? What does it say when Terry Francona feels more comfortable having Drew lead off than Jacoby Ellsbury. Why does he feel more comfortable? All signs seem to point to the fact that Drew is a consistent 400 on base percentage player. Whether or not your leadoff hitter has a high average is not really that important as long as he is getting base. If your lead off hitter is hitting 300 with an OBP of 360, it is virtually the same as hitting 250 with an OBP of 400. Just trade a couple of those hits for walks.

Now I know that Boston fans are used to the dirt dog, Trot Nixon type players but should J.D. really be punished for having a laid back demeanor? Has anyone accused Drew of not hustling out a ground ball or trying to dive and make a catch in the outfield? No. What we do question is whether or not he plays through injuries. To which I respond with this. Drew has had lower back spasms for the past 12-18 months off and on, and he continues to play as much as possible. Have you ever had a back spasm? Those things hurt to walk, let alone run around and swing a bat.

Did Theo misjudge the market when signing Drew to 15 Million a season? Most likely, but again what people overlook are the fact that the Red Sox are 3rd in Major League in Right Field OPS, which is a combination of batting average and on base percentage. Have other people played right field this season? Sure, but lets be serious 90% of the time Drew is in Right Field and on the off chance he is not Rocco Baldelli is which I think we can all agree is not helping the OPS of the position. If J.D. Drew was a 7-10 million dollar player a year he would be a virtual steal for the team that had him, so the Red Sox when above the market to make sure they got their guy. The Red Sox have a long history of loving players who have great plate discipline and can also hit for gap and home run power. J.D. Drew is that player. He plays good hard defense and regardless of whether he shows it on his face he is a competitive person who wants to win and will perform in clutch situations. Any one remember the 2007 ALCS? It was Drew who hit the grand slam and secured a victory for the Sox.