Sun 2/12/12 9:04 AM

Stephen Drew (ankle) remains "optimistic" about being ready by Opening Day. "I'm optimistic," Drew said. "Hopefully I will start Opening Day, but I don't know. I'm not going to sit here and lie to your face and be like, 'I'll be ready for Opening Day.' I can't tell you that right now. It takes time. How much time? I don't know." Drew underwent surgery in October to repair a fracture right ankle and since July has been waking up at 5:30 AM every morning for physical therapy. He admits to having weeks where he didn't make much progress, but he feels he turned a corner three weeks ago and has been able to jog lately with no issues. Willie Bloomquist and John McDonald will handle shortstop if Drew isn't ready in time.