J.D. Drew just talked to the media and seemed in good spirits. He referenced his new approach to his health over the past year which has resulted in better overall conditioning. Hopefully I can get a first-hand look at his QRS machine which he believes has been one of the biggest helps in keeping his shoulder healthy.
Here is an article I wrote earlier this month about how J.D. Drew is improving his health
Other J.D. tidbits:
- Contract doesn’t add any pressure.
- Probably best lineup he’s been in.
- In as good a health as he has been in.
- Completely fine with Curt Schilling, who had said earlier in Drew’s career that the hitter should wear “double-earflaps” after Drew’s decision not to sign with Philadelphia out of the draft. He saw Curt already and they said their hellos.
- Bill Mueller, a friend from the Dodgers, had told him how popular Trot Nixon was in Boston.
To answer a couple of questions:
- Jon Still, a catcher the Sox drafted out of NC State in the fourth round last year, is viewed still as an offensive-type backstop off his success in college. He only hit .220 for Lowell last year, but Boston was encouraged with his final 1 1/2 months. He will be vying for a job in high-A this year. Luis Exposito, whom I mentioned a few days ago, is perhaps the best defender of the lower-level defenders among the catchers. Mark Wagner, a ninth-round pick in ‘05,is also viewed as solid defensive prospect who made strides with a .301 average in Greenville last year. George Kottaras continues to be viewed in the highest regard right now because he is one of the few catching prospects in the system who has hit on a regular basis. The bottom line is that no matter who good you are defensively in the minors, you have to hit to even become a backup in the majors.
- Allard Baird’s most notable signing as an area scout with the Royals was Johnny Damon. But he has spent the majority of his career outside the area scouting domain, being quickly promoted to national crosschecker and then special assistant to the GM. You don’t have to be identified with a single player to be viewed as a good talent evaluator. Tony LaCava of the Blue Jays is also among the best in judging talent, but has done so on a broader base like national crosschecker and the like.
- Jon Papelbon could be the closer by June, or even May, but I guarantee you that he will not be the closer come Opening Day. They have plans A through F to go through before taking Papelbon out of his new role.
Clubhouse is open, got to go. Keep questions coming ..
