Mar. 1, 1999
Drew already proving critics wrong
By Ian Browne
SportsLine Staff Writer
JUPITER, Fla. -- Unless you were on Mars, it was
impossible not to hear all the bad things being said
about young J.D. Drew a year ago.
Here were some of the words that kept recurring:
Spoiled. Brat. Self-centered. Cocky.
But step away from Mars and into Jupiter -- home of
the St. Louis Cardinals' spring training complex --
and these are the words most commonly associated with
Drew these days: Special. Professional. Dedicated.
Natural.
In other words, things are a lot better these days for
Drew.
If you were looking for the self-absorbed brat he was
once portrayed as, you would have been disappointed.
Nobody in the Cardinals' camp fits that description.
DREW LOOKS AS INNOCENT as any 23-year-old trying to
win a job. He has closely cropped hair, a boyish face
and an unmistakable southern twang.
Barring an injury, Drew is a virtual lock for the
starting position in left field this season. Even
better, he will have perhaps the most premier lineup
slot in all of baseball, occupying the No. 2 spot in
front of Mark McGwire.
Yes, life is good for J.D. Drew.
Not so long ago, life was not very good for Drew.
He brought barrages of bad publicity upon himself by
shunning the Philadelphia Phillies, who had made him
the top pick in the 1997 Draft. Then he was forced to
spend the first few months of last season playing for
the Independently-owned St. Paul Saints of the
Northern League.
Drew wanted millions up front from the Phils, if only
because he knew he had all the skills (and then some)
to earn it.
UNLIKE THE PHILLIES, the Cardinals were willing to
spend the money ($6.875 million guaranteed over four
years) for the guy who is arguably the most "can't
miss" prospect since an 18-year-old named Alex
Rodriguez made his debut for the Seattle Mariners in
July 1994.
So far, there are no regrets from anyone in the
Cardinals brass. Only dazzling forecasts for
greatness.
"He's got special ability," said Cardinals manager
Tony La Russa.
"But anyone can see that. I'll tell you what you don't
see. He practices like Michael Jordan. He really puts
a lot into his practices. I complimented him on that
yesterday. We did an outfield drill, and he was just
beautiful with the amount of effort he put into it.
When you have talent like that and you're willing to
work -- "
La Russa couldn't finish the sentence. Probably
because it's hard to put a limit on just how much Drew
can accomplish if he -- knock on a wooden bat -- stays
healthy.
He pretty much has all the attributes any great player
strives for. A sweet swing from the left side. Power.
Speed. A strong and accurate arm. And a great glove.
"CERTAIN PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS be upset with J.D. because
of what transpired last year. But from the day we
signed him, he said he wanted to earn his way to the
Major Leagues," Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty said. "So
we started him at Double-A (in July), and he
flourished there. We sent him to Triple-A, and he
flourished there. Then he came up with us in
September, and he flourished there."
Drew's quick ascension through the ranks was one of
the best-kept secrets late last season. Nationally,
and in St. Louis, everyone was caught up in Mark
McGwire hysteria.
With barely any fanfare, Drew hit .417 with five
homers and 13 RBI for the Cards.
"I hit .400 in 36 at-bats. Anyone can do that," Drew
said following Monday's workout. "I have to do it
throughout the entire year."
La Russa hasn't guaranteed him the chance yet. At
least not officially.
"He still has another month to go, but there is an
opening (in left field)," La Russa said. "He's got a
place on our team."
SO SECURE IS that place, it was enough to write
talented outfielder Brian Jordan (.316, 25 HRs in '98)
a ticket right out of town. A free agent, Jordan went
to Atlanta and the Cardinals didn't even put up a
fight.
Make no mistake about it. This is Drew's time.
J.D. Drew is all smiles at spring training this
year.(AP)
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