J.D. Drew opts out of contract to become free agent

[gradysfalcon]

Dodgers announced outfielder J.D. Drew opted out of the final three years of his contract.
There hadn't been any indications that Drew was considering giving up the $33 million he was owed by the Dodgers, but the market seems strong enough that he'll likely do at least that well as a free agent. Not only is Drew an a fine defensive right fielder, but he can play center and actually prefers to do so. Plus, his only major injury the last three years was a broken hand suffered on a HBP, limiting him to 72 games in 2005. The Red Sox, Mets, Rangers, Tigers, Orioles, Angels, Mariners, Astros and Padres are among the teams that figure to be intersted in adding him. The Dodgers could try to keep him, but they'll also likely try using his money in a bid for Alfonso Soriano.