5 Players Who Could Replace A Legend

Aug 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Stephen Drew (33) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Drew

Age: 31; Bats/Throws: Left/Right; Career Numbers: .256 batting average, 97 HR, 442 RBI

Yikes! I know this one won’t be popular. Let’s just come right out and say that Drew has been horrid at the plate all season. The Yankees traded Kelly Johnson for him before the deadline in hopes that he’d find his stroke at the plate, but that didn’t happen. His defense has always been superb, and that will likely continue for the foreseeable future.

Just one year ago, Drew batted .253 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI, but was signed after the season had already started. Yes, the lack of Spring Training could be the culprit as it could’ve thrown him out of rhythm. The good news is that Drew won’t cost a draft pick and he won’t cost a lot of money whatsoever (baseball-wise of course). Drew could easily be a place holder for a year or two until a more permanent solution comes around, but that would be a risk as Drew’s production could stay where it’s been this past season, and that wouldn’t be good at all.

The Yankees cannot have a shortstop batting .210 or lower because that is detrimental to the team no matter how good his defense may be. The Yankees already have that under contract in the way of Brendan Ryan. The Yankees will need to have some sort of idea about what they’ll be getting from the 31-year-old before committing to him in any way.