No one with the Athletics is discounting the possibility of bringing Stephen Drew back for another season, even though most believe his $10MM option would be overly expensive, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Drew’s contract includes a $10MM mutual option for 2013 ($1.35MM buyout) and even if he hasn’t considered his options thoroughly, he’s open to the idea of returning.
“I know I have an option and I've got to sit down and discuss it with my family,” Drew told Slusser. “So far, I haven't really thought about it, I just want help this team win."
Many baseball people believe the 29-year-old would be wise to explore his options in free agency, Slusser reports. Shortstops are at a premium, so one person suggested the market for a player such as Drew would be “robust.” He appears to have recovered from the ankle injury that sidelined him for the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, posting a .269/.331/.400 batting line with Oakland since being acquired from Arizona on August 20th.
Why do I have the sinking feeling he’s going to be a Red Sox in 2013?
No idea because I think that is highly unlikely. Im pretty sure everyone is set on having Iglesias there next year.
No way. I think they still “like” Iglesias but aren’t set on him by any means. They will most definitely bring in another SS for next season. Albeit probably a short term one.While Iglesias, barring an amazing spring training, will most likely start next season in AAA. Where, quite frankly, he belongs.
I don’t think it would make sense for them to bring in another SS, Iglesias plays great defense and as long as he can hit around .250, he would be a good SS. I’m not sure what SS on the free agent market can actually be better value than Iglesias. Drew has more power and that is about it…
Iglesias hitting .250 might be a reach. If he could double his current MLB average he is still below .250 (.118 in 50+ AB’s). Not to mention he only hit .235 in AAA Pawtucket (350+ AB’s). I think it is safe to assume his bat in not yet ready. Not sure who is in the plans, but the BoSox’s would be smart to have another SS in the mix.
Same thing I said to Qbass above, Aviles has been a 2 WAR player this year and has pretty much the same numbers as Drews average career numbers. Itd be a pointless signing, better off just keeping Aviles.
You failed to read my post correctly. I said “Not sure who is in the plans, but the BoSox’s would be smart to have another SS in the mix”. So i am not agreeing with Stephen Drew being the target, i just simply dont think Igesias is the answer for 2013 given his current hitting skill set. Another year in the minors for Iglesia and “Someone Else” playing SS in Boston is the Red Sox’s best option (in my opinion).
No sense? Since when does having depth at a position like SS make no sense? “IF” he could hit .250 that would be great… but that’s part of the problem. As is he’s a sub .200 hitter with ZERO plate discipline in the Bigs’.
I can absolutely see Drew going to the Red Sox on a 1 yr. Boras special “pillow” contract to rebuild his value. Besides the fact that the Sox can use an everyday upgrade from Aviles.
Plus the Sox have been linked to Drew for a few years now… It’s not a stretch at all if that happens.
The Sox actually have a few good SSs coming up in the lower minors, not the least of which is Boagarts who is shooting up the top prospect list. I actually would not be shocked to see Iglesias traded this off season as part of a pitching deal.
I’d say Drew is a real possibility for the Red Sox. Mark it down!
How exactly is Drew an upgrade over Aviles? He hits around .250-.260 and when hes healthy hits about 12 homers with average defense. Those are pretty much Aviles numbers this year. Aviles has actually been a 2 WAR player this year…Xander might not even stay at SS, possibly might be moved to the outfield.
No need or room for him.
No “need”?
Since when is there no need for a Major league tested starter @ SS on a team who’s ONLY current SS options include a sub.200 minor leaguer and a career utility guy?!?!
Aviles? He’s done well. We don’t need another overpaid, underperforming Drew.
Disagree. I was a BIG Aviles supporter to start the year. He started hot but he’s been mediocre AT BEST since. Plus, who’s to say the Red Sox would overpay Stephen Drew if they did sign him. You’re jumping to conclusions for no reason at all.
Because they had so much success with his bro, J.D., well, this just HAS to work!
Totally different player. What JD did for the Red Sox is completely irrelevant.
Plus, JD Drew was a great player for the Red Sox. One of the absolute best defensive LF I’ve seen. Ridiculously overpaid in $$$ and years It overshadowed what he did as a player. If he was a 3 yr 28 million guy he’d be looked at MUCH differently.
He really wasn’t overpaid at all.
Certainly you jest – his 2.0 dWAR over 1,468 games in the OF is nothing to write home about. And I think you meant RF.
I did mean RF, of course. His defense in Fenway’s RF was some of the best I’d seen since Dwight Evens. I’m not taking his entire career into account…I only really “watched” him as a Red Sox. His 2009 especially was amazing.
Fenway’s RF is a very difficult place for many RFs to play. JD Drew was pretty flawless out there. IMO
Not worth 10M but if they can negotiate something cheaper he may be worth it.
Better than anything the A’s have there until Russell. Drew would also allow Pennington and Grant Green to compete for the 2nd base job next year. Agree that$10 mil. is likely out of their range. Something like 2/$15 million with an option year might work.
He’s hit really well the past 10 games or so. I think he’d be wise to play a year, show he’s healthy and then try and get a contract.
If he could only talk his brother, JD, out of retirement too. What a dynamic duo that would be on the A’s.