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Originally Posted by kutulu
JD didn't go directly to the majors, he spent the rest of 1997 after the draft and part of 1998 in the minors. The only knock on JD Drew is that he is injury prone. Look beyond the BA, he has a career 134 OPS+, a carrer OPB of almost .400 and his AB/HR is equivalent to over 30 for a full season. Like him or not those are damn fine numbers.
Anyways, I was referring to Justin Upton, brother of BJ Upton from the Devil Rays. Although I'm equally excited about Stephen Drew as well. He knocked the shit out of the ball in the high A California League and then later in the Fall League. Both are hitter's leagues but his performance was way above that of almost everyone in those leagues.
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Upton maybe the real deal, but he needs the seasoning in the minors.
Stephen is JD and Tim's Brother so I wouldn't put him too high as both older brothers have never lived up to their hype.
JD was drafted in 1997 by the Phillies and sat out the year. He then was drafted in 1998 by the STL. Cardinals and signed a contract near the middle of the season, where he played in 19 AA games and 27 AAA before joining STL. in 1998 and batting .417 with 5 home runs in 37 at bats.
Using, "Injuries aside", I could say Griffey JR is still a damn good ball player.
JD has yet to truly put a string of full seasons together that are impressive. Otherwise, I'm not all that impressed by a player that averages 114 games a year (he has only accomplished that 3 times in 7 years, I didn't count his first year either). He may be a great player when he is on the field but..... he isn't on the field enough to help the team win anything. That just doesn't impress me for a guy who just turned 30. That shows me that during his 30's he'll probably be more injury prone and play fewer games. By 28-30 most players are starting to peak, and show their worth. I see Drew being an average type player that may hit for some power, but will more or less be considered an injury risk that has some power. And even then you'll have to ask if the potential power is greater than the potential risk and his asking price. If I were a GM it wouldn't be, there's healthier players with less risk and will give me his production, and probably for less money.
DJ, I know the 40 man contract but Drew in all of 1997 (where he played in St. Paul for the Northern Independent League) and most of 1998 (where he again played for St. Paul in the Northern League)after the draft refused to sign at all unless he was put on the Big League team immediately upon signing and did not have to serve a day in the minors.
LINKS:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/...auraCK9yqFCLcF
http://www.bravesbeat.com/jddrew.shtml
http://jddrewonline.cjb.net/