#7 – J.D. Drew
Mandatory Credit:
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
J.D. Drew played only one year with the Braves. However, one could argue that this one year was just what the Braves were looking for. In 14 years, 2004 was probably his best, overall, and maybe one of the best single season efforts for a right fielder in a Braves uniform.
Drew amassed a .305/.436/.569/.1.006 line. He had career highs in HRs (31), triples (8), BBs (118), hits (158), and runs scored (118). He was never a perennial All-Star, but this season in particular, earned him his only votes ever in the MVP race, finishing 6th.
At the time, the trade was the right move, I believe. It filled a need and although a slight downgrade after Sheffield, he was still very productive, and did just what the Braves needed him to.
Drew did make one All-Star team, but it was after Atlanta when he was with the Red Sox in 2008. J.D. Drew retired in 2011 at 35 years of age.
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