- Full name Tim Drew
- Born 08/31/1978 in Valdosta, GA
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 05/24/2000
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Drew exemplifies the perils of rushing a young pitcher to the big leagues. When their rotation was riddled by injuries in 2000, the Indians summoned an unprepared Drew, and he hasn't been the same since. The younger brother of J.D. Drew--they're the only siblings to go in the first round of the same draft--Tim pitched his way onto the Opening Day roster last year, then quickly pitched his way back to Triple-A. He's a tremendous athlete and a hard worker, plus he has good stuff. For some reason, it just hasn't translated yet at the big league level. Drew's fastball is average but there's enough there that he should be getting more out of it than he does. His best pitch is a changeup and he also throws a slider. Drew must learn to trust his stuff more in the strike zone. He tends to be a nibbler, then can't recover once he falls behind in the count. Drew will be given a chance to win a spot in the major league rotation in training camp. As a contender, Cleveland can't afford to give him on-the-job training, so he could wind up in Buffalo again. -
Drew and his older brother J.D. (Cardinals) became the first siblings chosen in the first round of the same draft. Against their better judgment, the Indians rushed Drew to the big leagues in 2000. He wasn't ready, but a glut of injuries stripped the pitching staff and they took a chance. Drew had a 10.00 ERA in three starts and got crushed in Triple-A after being sent back down. Despite his bumpy debut with the Indians, Drew remains a solid prospect. His out pitch is a changeup, and his slider is becoming a weapon as well. He's intelligent, mentally tough and intense, and possesses a good feel for pitching. Because he doesn't have overpowering velocity, Drew must mix all his pitches to get batters out. He needs to locate his fastball precisely, because it arrives at 90 mph and hitters don't have any trouble picking it up. Drew still needs to prove he can pitch at the Triple-A level. Once he does, he'll get a second chance in Cleveland. -
Background: The club's top draft pick in 1997 and the younger brother of J.D., Drew got a healthy dose of humility in '98. After getting a mid-season promotion from Columbus to Kinston, he struggled. In 33 professional starts in his two years in the organization, Drew is 7-12, 4.67. Strengths: Despite the statistics, Drew has great makeup, is very competitive and has terrific athleticism. His fastball has plus life, but his two above-average pitches are his breaking ball and changeup. He's very intense and focused, but it seems like he wants to make it to the major leagues tomorrow. He has incredibly high standards for himself. Weaknesses: Drew is inconsistent with his location because he doesn't repeat his delivery with any regularity. He has trouble avoiding big innings and needs to improve his command on both sides of the plate. The Future: Depending on what kind of spring training he has, Drew will start the year in the rotation at either Kinston or Akron. He needs to settle down and have a productive season to get the ball rolling again.
Minor League Top Prospects
-
The younger brother of Cardinals outfielder J.D. Drew began to develop his own lofty reputation by leading the Carolina League in victories in 1999. After winning just seven games in his first two professional seasons combined, Drew led Kinston to the Southern Division playoffs. "He's got real good stuff," Terrell said. "The more he pitches, the better he'll get." Drew commands respect on the mound. He is an intense competitor with outstanding athletic ability. "He has a great attitude," Wedge said. Drew throws a lively, sinking fastball, an effective changeup and a slider that has become his out pitch.
