J.D. Who?

    Ever since the Boston Red Sox signed J.D. Drew in late 2006, he hasn't lived up to his contract and hasn't been a fan favorite.  For a right fielder to wear the number seven and try to replace one of Red Sox Nation's all-time "dirt dog" in Trot Nixon, J.D. Drew has done very little to win over the fans.  His non-chalant, seemingly careless attitude on the field on whether he hits a line drive or strikes out, Red Sox fans want to see some emotion from their players.  Guys who wear their heart on their sleeves like Kevin Youkilis or Dustin Pedroia will always have the fans support, even when they go through a slump at the plate.  We want to see the players care as much as we do, if not more.  Other than his grand slam in game 6 of the ALCS against the Indians, which was huge in propelling the Red Sox to their second title in four years, J.D. Drew has done very little at the plate and seemingly been in a five year slump.
   This year J.D. has been at it again.  Producing barely anything through the first half of the season, fans were once again chastising Drew for his non-chalant demeanor, possessing the same reaction getting a base knock as he does when he strikes out in the bottom of the 9th with two men on.  His lack of production, coupled with "injuries", has prompted Manager Terry Francona to give significant playing time to 24 year old Josh Reddick.
    It didn't take long for Reddick to win over Red Sox Nation as he quickly made an impact with the team. With one hundred less at-bats than Drew, Reddick already has more home runs, RBI's, extra base hits and runs scored than J.D. Drew.  He's currently batting .317 and has an OPS of .920.  I believe Reddick's potential was the reason why the Red Sox didn't pursue a right fielder at the trade deadline.  He is young and talented and giving up several prospects for an aging Carlos Beltran, who isn't that much better than what Reddick has shown thus far, wasn't the right move to do. This past weekend Reddick showed why he belongs in right field.  Against the Yankees on Sunday Night Baseball on national television, Reddick had a walk-off hit in the 10th inning and also made a hell of a play in right field, throwing a frozen rope to second base to get Russell Martin out on what looked like a sure double.  He has given Terry Francona plenty of reasons to play him when the playoffs roll around, especially if he keeps hitting and making plays.  If the season ended today, Reddick would be the starting right fielder, no questions asked, especially if the fans decided the starting lineup.
    With 48 games left in the regular season, only time will tell if Reddick can keep up this pace and what, if anything, we will see from Drew when he returns.  J.D. is making $70 million dollars over a five-year period.  It is much harder to bench a player making that type of money than it is if Reddick was battling for the right field spot with a low income player.  Francona will have to give Drew some playing time when he returns from injury but he should be on a short leash.  If he doesn't produce and continues to ground into double plays, Francona will have to put Reddick back in right field and solidify that spot for the youngster.  Reddick has done nothing but impress everyone with his bat and his arm in right field.  He seems to bring some young energy to the team, something that Drew lacks.  Drew may have more experience, especially in the playoffs, but with the way Reddick is playing, it is a no-brainer to put Reddick in the starting lineup come playoff time.  One thing is for sure, Terry Francona will have to make a somewhat tough decision come playoff time, play the young, energetic Reddick or the older, more experienced Drew.  Perhaps after watching the video below, "The Chronicles of Reddick", Terry will come to a conclusion.