Sox Blog

Five Reasons Why JD Drew Should Be Benched

Tyler Manoukian — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:36:00 GMT

^{JD Drew warms up before a game against the Baltimore Orioles.}

The 2011 season has not been the most remarkable for Red Sox outfielder JD Drew. Just three years after being elected an All-Star in his second season with Boston (2008), Drew has hit a new kind of low, even for him.

Upper management and lasting Drew believers can continue to sugar-coat this guy's fading talent and justify the $70 million deal he signed in December 2006. But the bottom line is that Drew is hardly the player he was in his time with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves.

While he coasts through the remainder of his contract with Boston (and possibly his career), here are five reasons why JD Drew should be benched.

From 1999, his first full season, through the 2006 season - his last before joining the Red Sox, Drew was a career .285 hitter. He also averaged 20 home runs and 62 RBI in that stretch. At the time, Drew proved to be reliable middle-of-the-order guy at the plate. One key to his consistency may have been hitting against what, up until last year, had been considered the weaker of the two leagues - the National League. In his five years with the Red Sox, Drew's average is 20 points lower than it was through his first eight. His 16 HR/57 RBI are lower as well.

The outfielder's on base percentage from 1999-2006 was consistently close to or above .400. Similarly, his OBP from 2007-2011 is .371. That's low for him. And so, when your general manager preaches that Drew is everything short of God in his welcome to Boston press conference - you expect those same results. The takeaway lesson here is that Theo Epstein could have found an outfielder with a near-identical OBP for a similar price and a higher level of production. Like Magglio Ordonez for instance.

Aside from his 2007 postseason grand slam against Cleveland, Drew has been largely unreliable when needed the most. Take for example Sunday night's 16-inning game in Tampa Bay. With two outs and runners on first and third in the top of the ninth, Drew walked, loading the bases for Josh Reddick. In this situation, Drew should have tried to make contact to score Pedroia (who was on third). Instead he left the game up to the inexperienced Reddick. Drew gets paid to make plays, not draw a walk every time he stands in at the plate. I can't even count the number of times he has walked away from an at-bat without swinging at a single pitch.

Reddick has earned playing time, so let him play. Drew has just about waved a white flag in surrender. There is not a single thing he does better than Reddick right now except maybe taking pitches - Reddick is better in every offensive category. Gerry Callahan of the Boston Herald does a great job comparing the two in yesterday's paper.

Through 230 plate appearances, Drew has just four home runs; Reddick has four in 87 chances. Sure the latter isn't as patient at the plate (nine walks compared to Drew's 33), but the Red Sox lead the majors in OBP, OPS (on base plus slugging), and walks. What the team needs right now is production from the bottom half of their lineup and Reddick is the long-term and more cost effective choice.

That's five reasons why Drew needs to either push or be pushed aside if he wants to win another World Series. There are plenty of other reasons to bench him, like the fact that he plays with as much intensity as the women do in the Lingerie Bowl. He has been one of the biggest disappointments of Epstein's reign as general manager. When the Red Sox get rid of him, they can finally say goodbye to their atrocious 2006 offseason that also included Julio Lugo and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

What exactly is the point of starting a 35-year-old corner outfielder who couldn't hit his way out of a paper bag anyway? This is a first place team primed for a deep postseason run, why not try out the 24-year-old Reddick before the trading deadline to see if a trade for someone (Carlos Beltran?) needs to be made. When your $70 million outfielder is hitting .222 through 76 games, a change needs to be made. Never mind the fact that he is making too much money to give up on because at this point, anyone would be better than him.

Going gonzo: Why Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is a different kind of slugger

Tyler Manoukian — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:18:00 GMT

^{Adrian Gonzalez stands on first base after singling in a game against the Balitimore Orioles in April}

When Adrian Gonzalez was traded to the Red Sox, the first feeling that came over hometown fans was happiness. Because for two years, Theo Epstein & Co. have flirted with Epstein protégé Jed Hoyer, executive VP and general manager of the San Diego Padres, regarding the availability of a guy Epstein has coveted since before the 2004 season.

The man who once high-tailed out of town in a gorilla suit wanted nothing more than Gonzo mashing up the Green Monster for the 2011 season and beyond. So the Sox dealt three top prospects (Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo, Reymond Fuentes) for the four-time All-Star last December in what will be recorded as one of the best deals Epstein has ever made.

But it still begs the question, did Hoyer one-up Epstein by stealing away Casey Kelly, the shortstop turned pitching phenom (relax, he isn't on Mike Trout's level yet) or did Theo acquire the rights to a hitting machine disguised within the pitcher-friendly Petco Park?

It was no secret that Gonzalez would become a threat if allowed to milk Fenway for the hitter-friendly park that it is. Nearly everyone, from scouts to players to executives hailed Gonzalez as a perfect fit for Boston. Though I wouldn't say anyone made any ridiculously expensive bets like the $20,000 wager Terry Francona made when he bet Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino that he could quit chewing tobacco in 2007.

Gonzalez has been nearly superhuman this season. Heading into the All-Star Break, the San Diego native has put up numbers that suggest he may be the best in baseball. Gonzo leads the majors in batting average (.354, tied with Jose Reyes), RBIs (77), hits (128), doubles (29), and total bases (214). He's playing Gold Glove-caliber first base and he's the number-three hitter on the team with the best record in the American League.

"We expected him to be good after what we gave up for him," said Josh Beckett in an interview with the Boston Globe. "But I don't think anyone expected this. Not even our guys."

I mean, did you see him launch 31 home runs into the stands in Monday's Home Run Derby? How about the solo home run he hit in the fourth inning of last night's 82nd MLB All-Star Game?

Sure, Robinson Cano outslugged him in the end, but his talent really showed Monday night. A-Gon didn't just pull the ball, he showed power to all fields. He wrenched balls over the left field fence, to deep center and upper-decked his fair share of balls into the right field grandstands. While most sluggers would rather wait for the hanger over the heart of the plate, Gonzalez swings at everything.

What separates a good hitter from a great hitter is the ability to use every part of the field. And nothing has ever been more clear than it was Monday night: Adrian Gonzalez is a great hitter.

Must-Have Sox Tech: The Boston Herald Red Sox App

Chris Faraone — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:01:06 GMT

Anyone who knows my work outside of the Sox Mobster project are probably aware of my animosity...

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

Slugfest of the all-stars: Home Run Derby 2011 tonight at Chase Field

Tyler Manoukian — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:52:00 GMT

With the State Farm Home Run Derby set for later tonight at Chase Field in Phoenix, American League captain David Ortiz looks to carry his squad to victory in what has become a brand-new derby format.

Each league will have one captain -- last year's champion, Ortiz, for the AL and Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, the 2009 Home Run Derby champion for the NL. Both captains then choose an additional three players to fill out their roster.

This year, an individual and a team champion will be crowned in the first-ever head-to-head matchup between the AL and the NL. In years past the derby has featured a slew of players from both leagues, each one vying for the Home Run Derby title. What makes this a much better system is the teammwork required to win. And for those who are still hell-bent on the old-school format, have no fear. Once a team champion is announced, the player who knocks the most balls out of the park will be christened the new champion.

The AL squad includes Adrian Gonzalez; the major-league leader in RBI with 77, Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, and Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. Bautista has a major-league-leading 31 home runs. Cano is hitting .296 with 15 home runs through 87 games.

In addition to power-hitting first baseman Prince Fielder, the NL team features Fielder's teammate, Rickie Weeks (17 HR), and outfielders Matt Kemp of the Dodgers (22 HR) and Matt Holliday of the Cardinals (14 HR). Fielder, also with 22 HR this year, is batting .297 through 92 games.

Incumbent champion Big Papi picked a deserving group of players to represent the his league this year. Two of those guys stand out - Bautista and Gonzalez. The Blue Jays recognized their star outfielder as an All-Star talent when they signed him in 2008 - reminiscent of the Ortiz signing in 2003 by the Red Sox. In his first season with the Sox, Gonzalez has 128 hits, 214 total bases, and 29 doubles - leading the majors in those three categories. Boston fans, its hard not to be excited about this guy. I haven't seen anyone hit like him since Ted Williams. He is a true five-tool player. And did I mention he is a two-time Gold Glove winner? Pair him with Bautista and you have two of the most feared hitters in baseball in the same lineup.

To make things more interesting for this year's derby challenge, Major League Baseball will make a $150,000 donation to the winning captain's charity of choice along with a $100,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA). The losing team will receive a $25,000 donation - made to the charity of its captains choice.

The remaining donation amount will be determined by how many long balls are clocked into the stands during the competition. When a hitter is down to his last out, a partial 24-karat Gold Ball will be used for every pitch thereafter. Gold Ball home runs are worth $18,000 (a dollar for each of the 18,000 State Farm agents in the US and Canada). The resulting gold ball total will be donated to BGCA on behalf of State Farm and MLB.
The 2011 home run slugfest is going to be more competitive this year because these guys want to play like it's the All-Star game, which determines home-field advantage in the World Series. The winner of the contest holds bragging rights for the rest of the season. Tune in to the derby starting tonight at 8 pm.

Larry David Doesn't Hate the Red Sox As Much as He Used To, Will Feature Bill Buckner in Upcoming Episode of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'

Chris Faraone — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:40:41 GMT

Larry David Doesn't Hate the Red Sox As Much as He Used To, Will Feature Bill Buckner in Upcoming...

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

At just $3, there’s no doubt that frozen lemonde (as they...

Chris Faraone — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:02:05 GMT

At just $3, there’s no doubt that frozen lemonde (as they call it) is the best buy at Fenway. Not to mention that it’s not exactly something you can sneak in in your shorts. I like to stick one in my pants for a few minutes, cool off, then crush it like a python. Pun intended, but I’m pretty sure that’s not a pun.

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

Must-Read On The McCourt Saga

Chris Faraone — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:01:05 GMT

This Vanity Fair article about the McCourts (of L.A. Dodgers infamy) is fucking brutal. It’s...

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

I really enjoy this blog, I just wanted to let you know.

Chris Faraone — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:17:02 GMT

Thanks! Always appreciate the support. I’ll keep blogging if you keeping re-blogging.

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

Fenway Code Of Conduct Rule #1 - Avoid all BALLS in play.

Chris Faraone — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:03:06 GMT

Fenway Code Of Conduct Rule #1 - Avoid all BALLS in play.

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

Photo

Chris Faraone — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:05:16 GMT

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

Something about this just doesn’t look right.

Chris Faraone — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:53:41 GMT

Something about this just doesn’t look right.

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

That Youkilis home run was just about the most spectacular thing...

Chris Faraone — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:37:08 GMT

That Youkilis home run was just about the most spectacular thing I’ve seen out here in two seasons. Plus I swear a cool breeze blew through as soon as his heater cleared the Green Monster.

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

This super cool trick toy cam shot hardly does justice to the...

Chris Faraone — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:18:27 GMT

This super cool trick toy cam shot hardly does justice to the absolute outrage brewing in this ballpark right now.

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

In the past two weeks, there have been a lot less tickets on the...

Chris Faraone — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:58:03 GMT

In the past two weeks, there have been a lot less tickets on the street. I just scored something decent at a good price, but there’s something fishy going on here. Has Ace Tixx tigtened the noose? Perhaps an investigation is in order.

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.

For the first time ever, I understand why most sane people...

Chris Faraone — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:45:55 GMT

For the first time ever, I understand why most sane people despise soccer fans. At the Bolocco near Fenway Park - five minutes into the Sox game - and these geeks and assorted international students are watching the USA women’s match. I’m more confused than anything else, really.

Originally posted on soxmobster.tumblr.com. Chris Faraone's book, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sox", will arrive at Fenway and on bookstore shelves everywhere in 2012.