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| Grady Sizemore |
Sizemore, 29, is a three-time American League All-Star (2006-08) and is the only player in the 111-year history of the Indians to amass 200 career doubles, 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases. He owns an 8-year career Major League batting average of .269 (948-3527) with 216 doubles, 43 triples, 139 home runs and 458 RBI in 892 games over 8 seasons since debuting with Cleveland in 2004. He is just 52 hits shy of 1,000 for his career and in 2008 became just the second player in franchise history to amass 30 home runs and 30 steals in a single season. His 53 doubles during the 2006 season are the 3rd highest single-season total in club history.
Last year Sizemore collected 32 extra base hits in 71 games in 2011 and went on to record an OPS of .706 with 21 doubles, 1 triple, 10 home runs and 32 RBI (34RS). In April he hit .378 (17-45) with 8 2B, 4HR & 9RBI in 11 games.
The signing of Sizemore does not effectively end the Indians' search for outfield help this offseason as they are still expected to acquire a right-handed hitting outfielder via free agency or trade. The additional outfielder would help protect them from durability issues with Sizemore and others as well as give them more versatility and punch from the right side.
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4 comments:
This rubs me the wrong way... $5M!! This guy has not been able to stay on the field for the past 3 years and they give him $5m guaranteed?!
One, he had better be healthy and in the line up in April. Two, the Tribe better not be done shopping & counting on him to play 150 games.
I like the guts Antonetti has shown thus far in his tenure as GM - a 180 degree turn from ultra conservative Shapiro - but I do not think this is money well spent.
Best Thanksgiving News I could receive.
Class act by Antonetti is what brought back to Cleveland one of the best young men to play this game here in the 54 years I have been following every player, every team.
Now if the Urban Meyer story is real...
Expect a new Grady, unburdened by lead-off responsibilities, adjusted to the new realities of his body.
At worst, a once great player gets to play one more year with us.
At best, we may have an outstanding power hitter in the OF.
no at worst, he spends a 4th year on the dl and we waste $5m
I need to see what else they do before I go off the deep end on the Sizemore resigning. Me personally, I just cut the ties now. He's gone after next season anyway, so unless the options available in trade/ FA were not good, I am not sure I bother bringing him back. Too risky. BUT....if they go out and protect themselves from a Sizemore injury by signing a RH bat in the OF that can play everyday (or trade for one), then I will be a lot more receptive of it.
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