Stephen Drew

2013

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2012

A gruesome injury in July turned out to be a season-ending fractured ankle for Drew, and the D-Backs' offensive production at shortstop suffered the rest of the way. His numbers were down across the board before the injury and it may have been the byproduct of an abdominal strain that slowed him down during spring training. Whether that injury was related to the groin woes that slowed him last season is unclear, but Drew had surgery to repair a sports hernia in October and was unable to run or participate in baseball activities at press time. Watch his progress closely during spring training, as Drew should come at a discount on draft day and would be worth the risk as he's playing for a long-term contract in 2012. His combination of power and speed remains intriguing as he heads into his age-29 season.

2011

For the second consecutive season, Drew improved his walk rate (10 percent) and returned to his form of being the upper-tier fantasy shortstop that he was in 2008 when he swatted 21 homers. Still in his peak at age 28, Drew may never become the elite offensive force many projected him to be as a top prospect, but he's an above-average hitter with an ability to handle shortstop better than most at his position. Considering that he hit 11 homers in 267 at-bats after the All-Star break, we wouldn't be shocked by a 20-25 homer campaign, and his seemingly undeserved "bust" label should keep the acquisition price low on draft day.

2010

Nearly 10 percent of Drew's flyballs landed in the bleachers when he hit 21 homers in 2008, but that number shrunk to 6.3 percent last season and resulted in a power outage to the tune of 12 long balls. At 27, Drew is entering his prime and it wouldn't be all that surprising to see him push his way back into the 15-20 homer range on the strength of an improving eye at the plate. The D-Backs continue to move him around in their lineup, despite the fact that he's been very productive when given the chance to lead off. Other than his continuing struggles against left-handed pitching (.200/.237/.336, 8:26 BB:K in 140 at-bats), there's still plenty to like here even after a disappointing 2009 campaign. Drew still has the tools to firmly entrench himself as a top-10 option at shortstop.

2009

In a classic case where the numbers don't tell the entire story, Drew emerged as a consistently productive option in the leadoff spot for manager Bob Melvin. Atop the Arizona lineup, Drew maintained a .313/.361/.528 line with 11 homers and 39 RBI in 335 at-bats when deployed from the leadoff spot. The power surge is definitely encouraging, while the only lingering questions that Drew needs to answer will focus on his plate discipline, as his walk rate tumbled down to six percent after he walked 10 percent of the time in 2007. He'll never be a regular thief on the basepaths, but 20-homer power with double-digit steals potential in the middle infield should peak plenty of interest at the draft table.

2008

Across the board, Drew fell well short of expectations in 2007. Prior to the All-Star break, he went deep just four times (76.5 AB/HR), before settling in and driving the ball out of the yard more frequently in the second half (29.6 AB/HR). The dip in batting average was expected -- albeit to a much lesser extent than the eventual results -- after he hit .316 during the final two of months of 2006. Drew's .271 BABIP mark is a good indication that he'll be able to bounce back, after posting an equally fluky .396 mark during his rookie season. If the second half power rate is carries into 2008, look for 15-20 homers and double-digit steals with the potential for improvements in RBI, especially if he's able to bat sixth or seventh, where he enjoyed of most his success last season.

2007

As nice as the batting average and power were, Drew's strikeout rate and K:BB changed dramatically when he moved from Triple-A to the majors. That's a sign that he was overmatched, and may not sustain the .314 AVG. Even at .270, he brings enough power to be a good fantasy shortstop, with 100-run and 100-RBI potential in a good D'backs lineup.

2006

A first-rounder in the 2004 draft, Drew finally signed in May 2005 and kicked off his pro career with guns blazing in the high-A Cal League. He was a bit less impressive in a brief, injury-marred Double-A stint, but put up great numbers again in the Arizona Fall League. With a strong spring, Drew could be the Opening Day starter at shortstop for Arizona, but he might not be ready that quickly. In an ideal world, the Diamondbacks would let Drew start the year at Double-A and then call him up before September. It'll be very interesting to see which super-prospect Arizona moves from shortstop first, Drew or Justin Upton. Drew can settle that question by nailing down a regular job by yearend.

2005

Drew was Arizona's top pick in the 2004 draft, but has neither signed with the Diamondbacks nor re-enrolled at Florida State. If Arizona does sign him before the 2005 draft, there's a slim chance he could see major league action this year, although he probably wouldn't be ready. Still, he's a five-tool prospect, so hang onto him in your keeper league for now.

2004

The brother of Braves’ outfielder, J.D. Drew, he’s a five-tool athlete with power potential and outstanding defensive instincts. May not be suitable as a major league shortstop, and scouts question whether he’s hungry enough to excel in the pros. He's a Scott Boras client, which will make him very difficult to sign.