Is last night's hero, Stephen Drew, sitting on a Brian Roberts deadline?

Last year, Brian Roberts - the former "Mr. Orioles" - was the Yankee first-half bargain experiment at second base. Over the winter of 2013-14, Roberts signed a one-year deal for $2 million, and then was basically handed 2B, despite the fine play of Yangervis Solarte, (who clearly was challenged at 3B).

On July 28, hours before the MLB trade deadline, Roberts was hitting .237 - Ruthian by today's Yankee standards for 2B. But a little-known clause was coming into effect. Roberts had 348 plate appearances, and a few more would have meant receiving a nice bonus. On the eve of those plate appearances, the Yankees waived Roberts, and the YES memory machine soon erased his name from our minds.

I can't help but wonder if the Yankees and Stephen Drew are sitting on a similar situation. Last winter, Drew signed for $5 million - a one-year deal, designed to re-establish his career. If he were now hitting well, $5 million would be a steal for a starting SS or 2B. Until last night, Drew has stunk out the joint. Maybe he'll turn the corner, maybe not.

But unbeknownst to all of us, a bonus clause somewhere in his contract might cause the Yankees to cut bait... or keep him... until it comes into effect.

It's a passion to us. It's a business to Hal.