Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew responded to the comments made on Tuesday by D-backs managing partner Ken Kendrick. In a radio interview Kendrick accused Drew and his representatives of focusing more on his future than his current commitment to the Diamondbacks organization. Drew is being paid $7.75 million this season and has a $13 million mutual option for 2013.
In an interview with MLB.com on Thursday, Drew responded saying he "understands Ken's frustration," but is " disappointed that he [Kendrick] questioned [his] integrity."
Drew started for Triple-A Reno in his rehab assignment on Thursday. It was his first game since breaking his ankle in late 2011. Drew hit a line drive single to right field in his first at-bat and also played all nine innings.
As noted by Drew, the frustration by Kendrick and other D-backs fans is understandable, especially considering Drew's lengthy return to the baseball diamond. The 29-year old is a crucial piece to the D-backs' success, and with his absence, the team is missing one of its best offensive threats in the team's lineup.
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