amag
09-10-2002, 08:02 PM
Drew is available but hurting
By Joe Strauss
Of the Post-Dispatch
09/10/2002 05:43 AM
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/Sports/Cardinals/1FACC407E6798DA786256C30003D5C10?OpenDocument&Headline=Drew%20is%20available%20but%20hurting
MILWAUKEE -- Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said that even had right fielder J.D. Drew sustained a left quadriceps injury in July rather than September, the problem wouldn't be enough to land him on the disabled list.
La Russa emphasized the point by saying that he expects Drew to be in the lineup Wednesday against Brewers righthander Ben Sheets. Drew probably won't play tonight against lefthander Wayne Franklin, according to La Russa.
Eli Marrero continues to thrive in place of Drew. Marrero again started in right field Monday night against Brewers righthander Ben Diggins. Despite a two-for-12 skid against the Cubs, Marrero hit his career-high 14th home run in the series. All of his home runs have come in 257 at-bats against righthanded pitching while he has struggled for a .228 average in 79 at-bats against lefthanders.
"What Eli's done since spring training is show the skills he has," La Russa said. "Early on, he got some shots - but he really hasn't had the best of it. This is probably his best opportunity."
Marrero's production numbers -- 57 RBIs, .435 slugging percentage and 47 runs -- are similar to Drew's 48 RBIs, .439 slugging percentage and 58 runs. Marrero has 43 fewer at-bats than Drew, bothered almost all season by ankle and knee problems. Drew continues to weigh offseason knee surgery. Patellar tendinitis has affected his swing, and his attempts to keep pressure off the area have led to him spinning off pitches.
"J.D.'s had a little trouble finding his stroke consistently where he wants it," La Russa said. "He's worked at it. He's shown flashes of it. Then he gets away from it. A lot of times when he gets banged up, it doesn't make it any easier."
By Joe Strauss
Of the Post-Dispatch
09/10/2002 05:43 AM
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/Sports/Cardinals/1FACC407E6798DA786256C30003D5C10?OpenDocument&Headline=Drew%20is%20available%20but%20hurting
MILWAUKEE -- Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said that even had right fielder J.D. Drew sustained a left quadriceps injury in July rather than September, the problem wouldn't be enough to land him on the disabled list.
La Russa emphasized the point by saying that he expects Drew to be in the lineup Wednesday against Brewers righthander Ben Sheets. Drew probably won't play tonight against lefthander Wayne Franklin, according to La Russa.
Eli Marrero continues to thrive in place of Drew. Marrero again started in right field Monday night against Brewers righthander Ben Diggins. Despite a two-for-12 skid against the Cubs, Marrero hit his career-high 14th home run in the series. All of his home runs have come in 257 at-bats against righthanded pitching while he has struggled for a .228 average in 79 at-bats against lefthanders.
"What Eli's done since spring training is show the skills he has," La Russa said. "Early on, he got some shots - but he really hasn't had the best of it. This is probably his best opportunity."
Marrero's production numbers -- 57 RBIs, .435 slugging percentage and 47 runs -- are similar to Drew's 48 RBIs, .439 slugging percentage and 58 runs. Marrero has 43 fewer at-bats than Drew, bothered almost all season by ankle and knee problems. Drew continues to weigh offseason knee surgery. Patellar tendinitis has affected his swing, and his attempts to keep pressure off the area have led to him spinning off pitches.
"J.D.'s had a little trouble finding his stroke consistently where he wants it," La Russa said. "He's worked at it. He's shown flashes of it. Then he gets away from it. A lot of times when he gets banged up, it doesn't make it any easier."