J.D. Drew could not have picked a better time to have a good game than Sunday. His effort (2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI) comes as Cleveland visits Fenway Park. Of course, the highlight of the Indians appearance is the return of Trot Nixon to Fenway Park.

Nixon was a fan favorite because of the emotional way in which he played. But he was injured often and never hit left-handed pitching consistenty. So the Red Sox let him go and the Indians signed him for a thrifty $3-million contract.

Enter to the stoic Drew, who signed a whopping 5-year, $70-million contract. Comparisons were unavoidable and, so far, Drew, has not produced, although his numbers, aside from batting average, are not much different than Nixon's.

Nixon is batting .281, with a .361 on-bade percentage, 2 home runs, 20 RBI.
Drew is batting .234, with a .352 on-base percentage, 2 home runs, 15 RBI.

Yes, Drew should produce more, considering his contract and expectations. But the potential is there, and it is only May.

And one Sea Dogs note: When Jacoby Ellsbury was promoted, all eyes turned to the pitching prospects (namely Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden) in Portland. But shortstop Jed Lowrie, who was drafted between Buchholz and Bowden, is batting .408 in his last 20 games (Plug time: See today's Press Herald for more).

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