For now, Orza said, the issues are more the subject of an inquiry by the Sox than at the center of a dispute between the parties. "We [the union] are not involved in it yet," Orza said.
"Apparently, the parties are talking about the consequences of a procedure J.D. had, that in the opinion of the doctor, was designed to help further the rehabilitation of the shoulder."
Once the Red Sox are satisfied that the additional work done on Drew's shoulder is "to their advantage," Orza said, he expected the matter to be resolved. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein had no comment yesterday on the matter, and Boras said he was restrained by HIPAA regulations from responding to questions, including whether Drew had gone to see a doctor for a second opinion. Drew did not respond to a phone call as of last night.
Both Epstein and Boras have insisted that the matter revolves around minor "language issues" in the contract and both predicted last week a swift resolution of the problem.
The Boston Herald first reported Saturday that the Sox might be seeking additional contract protection because of an unspecified physical problem.
In September 2005, while in his first season with the Dodgers, Drew underwent surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder that at the time was described as minor in nature. Paul DePodesta, who was the Dodgers' GM at the time, was quoted as saying the club was aware he had an "arthritic shoulder" before signing him to a five-year, $55 million deal before the '05 season.
DePodesta, who was fired by the Dodgers after the '05 season and is now with the San Diego Padres, said yesterday he is legally prohibited from commenting on his time with the Dodgers. Just before surgery, Drew said of his shoulder condition: "When I throw balls to the plate, I get a little burn in the back of my shoulder. I've been feeling that for a couple of years, and it's been gradually getting worse."
