New York Yankees Smart To Re-Sign Stephen Drew
By Michael Terrill
@MichaelTerrill
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At first glance, it may be peculiar that the New York Yankees decided to re-sign shortstop/second baseman Stephen Drew to a one-year, $5 million deal that is loaded with incentives that could allow him to make as much as $7 million in 2015. However, the reality is the Yankees are smart to bring back the veteran for several reasons.
It is true Drew posted a .150 batting average in 46 games with New York, which is rather pathetic. In fact, his overall offensive numbers in 2014 were embarrassing. In 271 at-bats split between the Boston Red Sox and Yankees, he batted .162 with seven home runs, 26 RBI, 14 doubles and 75 strikeouts. With just New York, he posted three homers, 15 RBI, eight doubles and 36 strikeouts in 140 at-bats.
An argument certainly cannot be made in favor of keeping him strictly using his offensive statistics. The truth is the Yankees did not re-sign him for his play at the plate. It is what he can accomplish on defense that they are most interested in.
Even though Drew has played as a shortstop his entire career, New York decided to make him into a second baseman. It worked out in their favor as he posted a .971 fielding percentage in 136 total chances last season. Drew playing second base instead of shortstop allows the Yankees to use Didi Gregorius, who they acquired in a trade to be Derek Jeter’s replacement,in a platoon at shortstop with Brendan Ryan.
New York also re-signed Drew because they want to ensure there is still a certain level of veteran leadership with World Series experience in the clubhouse. Along with that, the Yankees are confident Drew will raise his level of play on offense due to a full participation in spring training with the ball club, which he missed last season while holding out for a solid contract.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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