According to Jon Heyman and other sources, the Red Sox have signed free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew to a one year, $9.5 million deal, pending a physical. Drew can make another $500,000 in incentives in the deal. More as this develops.
Categories: Boston Red Sox Stephen Drew
As an Iglesias ar SS proponent, Marc Normandin spelled out for me why this is a good move for the team: another rebounding top player, 2 years removed from the broken ankle, yet another decent OBP (.340ish) with grinding AB's and 15-20HR potential in the lineup and the balance of a lefty bat in a righty lineup. Good arm.
He gives Iglesias some time to develop his offense at AAA and could be moved at the deadline in favor of a hitting Iggy, could also be a QO at end of year for a draft pick. This goves the Sox more time to evaluate Iggy and Bogaerts at SS and might actually give Iglesias a better shot at keeping the job and more time to develop Bogaerts at a corner. So, the Sox are a better team with a 100+SB, 200+HR, 300+ doubles/triples team with strong defense at most positions, a plus bullpen and a rotation full of Quality Start SP's. Definitely competitive and Drew is a difference maker short term, and long term for player development. Good job Ben. A balanced team of good to very good players at every position, no loss of prospects, still $$ for the trade deadline.
The end for Iglesias. His contract is up after '13; and they won't even give him a shot in a rebuilding year; instead, they bring in a guy who hit .223 in 2012. Another IFA failure for the Sox.