Drew avoids arbitration, re-signs with Cardinals

ST. LOUIS -- Cardinals outfielder J.D. Drew agreed to a one-year, $3.7 million deal Friday, ensuring the team will not have to go to salary arbitration with any of its players this year.

Drew was the last remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible player for the Cardinals. Right-hander Brett Tomko avoided arbitration Thursday and agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract.

Drew, while hampered by tendinitis in his right knee, struggled last season to a .252 batting average, .429 slugging percentage and .349 on-base percentage -- his lowest in those categories since his 1999 rookie season.

Drew finished with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs, down from his 27 homers and 73 RBI of the previous season.

Drew had offseason surgery to repair the tendon and was not expected to fully recover until this spring, perhaps May.

In 497 games over his more than four seasons in the majors, Drew has a .281 average with 81 home runs and 238 RBIs.