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by **wrveres** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 8:31 am

By DAVID O'BRIEN wrote:Drew still rehabbing, will miss some spring games
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 2/22/04

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. -- New Braves right fielder J.D. Drew is still working to strengthen his troublesome right knee and quadriceps and will likely be held out of some drills and some Grapefruit League games.

Drew had surgery on his patella tendon in October 2002 and played in a career-low 100 games (70 starts) last season for the St. Louis Cardinals, batting .289 with 15 home runs and 42 RBIs. The Braves acquired the South Georgia native in a December trade.

Drew, 28, had knee, back, hip and ankle injuries last season, most of which he attributed to favoring his surgically repaired knee. He's one of the only two Braves regulars who hasn't reported early to camp, along with Rafael Furcal, who played winter ball in the Dominican Republic and helped his team win the Caribbean World Series this month.

Braves general manager John Schuerholz said Drew has been working with his personal trainer back home. The first full-squad workout is Wednesday and Drew is expected to participate, though his workload hasn't been determined.

"A lot will depend on how far back he's come with his knee," Schuerholz said.

"I don't expect him to be ready the first day of spring training. I expect him to be ready the opening day of the season."

General manager John Schuerholz hopes to get 150 or more games from him this season. He told Drew to use the spring to get ready for the regular season, not worry about making a good impression with his new team.

yeah right, somebody must have tomahawk chopped Schuerholz in the skull :-t