RKMBs Forums .::Robegories::. Sports and Wrestling MLB baseball question (I missed something)

I am no fan of J.D. Drew. Remember, I am a Philly, tried and true. His inability to come up big has brought pleasure to my heart. Didn't know he was traded to Atlanta. Just saw that today. Man, I do so hate Atlanta. A bajillion straight Divisions...

Who did they give St. Louis for Drew? I am trying to figure out how their roster was weakened. I know they lost some good players in the offseason, but I wonder if someone can provide a name or two to make me feel good.

Jason Marquis (pitcher) and -I think - two prospects, one a pitcher and the other an outfielder. The pitching prospect may be able to contribute soon. I dunno about the other guy...

Adam Wainwright is the pitching prospect, and a pretty good one. They also got Eli Marrero, Ray King and Jason Marquis.

I think J.D Drew is going to have a breakout year, as I said in the other thread, and so far he's hinting at proving me right. He's got 5 homers(and a triple) in 12 freakin' at bats so far this spring, hitting .667 overall.

If he's healthy, he'll hit. I have little doubt of that.

Okay. I am not overly worried then. Drew is one player. All said, I think I am glad they gave up Ray King. From my perspective, that guy made it tough. I don't recall the Phillies scoring any runs against him last year. Sure they did, but he was really good. With him gone, the pen is that much weaker. So, I am happy.

Drew came around last September, hitting .321 with 15 runs and 12 RBI in 56 AB's. He has a lot of potential and the Braves are counting on him. He's projected to bat fifth in the lineup, taking pressure off of him but giving him plenty of opportunities to shine. I think he can do it.

He has a good bat, but I think the knee injuries took away from what the Phillies and Cards and a lot of other teams thought he could be--that early perennial 30-30 guy.

Now? He might put up Jim Edmonds numbers. Good stuff, but the leg speed was that bit that had everyone saying "Next Barry Bonds" or "Future Hall of Famer" before he swung a bat.

I have two reasons for not wanting him to do well. Phillies are my team. Braves are in the division and they plav each other quite a bit.

Drew was one of the most touted prospects in history. If not for his bonus demands, he probably would have been a Philly, since they had the 1st pick in '98.

He has tremendous power for a guy his size. Ruth-like wrists with that lefty swing. If he stays healthy there's no telling what he could do. He might not be a 30-30 guy, but he could definitely be a .330 30 130 guy.

Maybe 30 HR's, but I don't know about 130 RBI's. That's a lot. Almost as much as Preston Wilson. And he lead the league. And I don't know if Atlanta's lineup is that reliable on getting on base. At least not as good as they used to be.

But I do think if he stays healthy he can get 95-100.

That wasn't as much of a prediction of what he'd do this year as an approximation of the caliber of player he could become if he reaches his potential later in his career.

Gary Sheffield hit .330 with 39 homers and 132 RBI last year. There's no Javy Lopez, but I still like the Atlanta lineup. You've got Furcal and Giles at the top of the order, the Jones' at 3 and 4, then J.D Drew nestled in at 5. I think with the help of rookie 1st baseman Adam LaRoche, minor league-journeyman Johnny Estrada, and possible contributions later down the line from prospects Wilson Betemit or Andy Marte, this could be one of the better offenses in the NL(probably 4th, after the 'Stros, Phillies and Cardinals).

But there's no established threat behind Drew. That's the key, having someone behind you that pitchers respect. Just like when we compared Ichiro and the Seattle lineup vs. Matsui and the Mets lineup. And I don't think Chipper is the player he was a few years ago. Believe me, I know. He was dragging my fantasy team down last year!!!