Drew debuts
Traveler collects 2 hits, 1 RBI for Class AA Arkansas
Posted: Sunday July 05, 1998 12:13 AM
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Drew went 2-for-4 with an RBI in his debut in the Cardinals' farm system (AP) |
WICHITA, Kansas (AP) -- J.D. Drew, the former Florida State star who
held out last season after Philadelphia drafted him, had two hits and drove
in a run Saturday in his first appearance after signing with St. Louis.
Drew was 2-for-4 and singled in a run for the Arkansas Travelers, who
lost a Texas League game 9-7 to the Wichita Wranglers.
Drew walked in his first plate appearance. Later in the game he scored
a run, struck out and grounded out.
Drew batted third and played in center field for Arkansas in his first
appearance since signing with the Cardinals.
Drew, 22, was taken by Philadelphia with the second pick of the 1997
draft. The Phillies' best offer was $3.1 million over four years with a $3
million team option, so he opted to play for the St. Paul Saints, an
independent team in the Northern League.
Drew hit .341 with 18 homers and 50 RBIs last season for the Saints.
He was still playing there this season, batting .386 with nine homers and
33 RBIs in 30 games. The Cardinals made him the fifth pick in last month's
draft, and St. Louis general manager Walt Jocketty quickly worked out a $7
million, four-year deal with Drew's agent, Scott Boras.
Drew had sought an $11.5 million, five-year contract with the
Phillies.
With the Cardinals, Drew received a $3 million signing bonus, and
$375,000 in salary this year, $500,000 in 1999, $1 million in 2000 and $2
million in 2001.
In addition, he can make $450,000 in 1999 in roster bonuses, and
$600,000 each in 2000 and 2001. That would raise the value of the deal to
$8.5 million if he's with the major league team at least 120 days per
season. The Cardinals have guaranteed at least $125,000 of the bonus in
1999.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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