J.D. Drew joins Dodgers

LOS ANGELES (AP) Outfielder J.D. Drew and the Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a 55 (m) million dollar, five-year contract today.<br> <br> L-A general manager Paul DePodesta said Drew is one of the most complete players in the majors and is expected to be a cornerstone of the Dodgers for years to come.<br> <br> The 29-year-old Drew, who is from Hahira in south Georgia, helped the Atlanta Braves win the National League East last season. He played in a career-high 145 games for the Braves, hitting .305 and setting career highs with 31 homers, 128 runs and 118 walks. He also had 93 R-B-I&#39;s and 12 outfield assists.<br> <br> Drew had never played in more than 135 games in a season before last year because of injuries. His best prior season was in 2001, when he hit .323 with 27 homers and 73 R-B-I&#39;s in 109 games for the St. Louis Cardinals. He played six seasons with the Cardinals before he was dealt to the Braves last December along with catcher-outfielder Eli Marrero for pitchers Jason Marquis, Ray King and Adam Wainwright.<br> <br> Drew will receive a two (m) million dollar signing bonus and a nine (m) million dollar salary next season. He will earn 11 (m) million annually in the final four seasons.

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