We all know Sizemore's story. He had seven surgeries in since 2009 and has played in 2 years. That is about to change after he won the Red Sox starting CF job after a strong showing in spring training. The Red Sox have been carefully monitoring Sizemore's playing time, just recently easing him into three games back-to-back. Every challenge that Sizemore has faced, has ended with him being victorious.
Sizemore was brought on on a 1 year contract for $750,000 with incentives that could reach up to $6 million. Sizemore had to fight Jackie Bradley Jr. for the spot, but it was made easier by Bradley's abysmal spring (.158 batting average and 17 strikeouts). Meanwhile Sizemore batted .333 with a homer. And with Sizemore looking ready for the biggest physical test, 162 games, the decision was easy.
With Sizemore's renaissance this spring, it is looking more and more likely that the Sox won't be missing Jacoby Ellsbury much, if at all. That is not to say Sizemore won't struggle, as he most likely will after missing 2 years, but if Sizemore is anywhere close to what he did this spring over a full season, then the Red Sox have nothing to worry about.
One thing that is uncertain is what the team plans to do with JBJ. Bradley hasn't looked good at all in the majors or this spring for that matter, but according to manager John Farrell, he still factors into the teams long-term plans. JBJ will get some more seasoning in the minors, for sure, but what if Sizemore has a great year? Will Boston re-sign him? And what will that mean for Bradley if they do? These are all questions that have to be going around in GM Ben Cherington's head, but they don't have to worry about that right now.
All-in-all, this is looking like another great scrap heap signing by Cherington. At best they get a Grady Sizemore that is very similar to the Sizemore from years ago. At worst Sizemore doesn't work out and the team tries Jackie Bradley Jr. For now, though, let's sit back and hope for the best for Sizemore and his comeback attempt.
Sizemore was brought on on a 1 year contract for $750,000 with incentives that could reach up to $6 million. Sizemore had to fight Jackie Bradley Jr. for the spot, but it was made easier by Bradley's abysmal spring (.158 batting average and 17 strikeouts). Meanwhile Sizemore batted .333 with a homer. And with Sizemore looking ready for the biggest physical test, 162 games, the decision was easy.
With Sizemore's renaissance this spring, it is looking more and more likely that the Sox won't be missing Jacoby Ellsbury much, if at all. That is not to say Sizemore won't struggle, as he most likely will after missing 2 years, but if Sizemore is anywhere close to what he did this spring over a full season, then the Red Sox have nothing to worry about.
One thing that is uncertain is what the team plans to do with JBJ. Bradley hasn't looked good at all in the majors or this spring for that matter, but according to manager John Farrell, he still factors into the teams long-term plans. JBJ will get some more seasoning in the minors, for sure, but what if Sizemore has a great year? Will Boston re-sign him? And what will that mean for Bradley if they do? These are all questions that have to be going around in GM Ben Cherington's head, but they don't have to worry about that right now.
All-in-all, this is looking like another great scrap heap signing by Cherington. At best they get a Grady Sizemore that is very similar to the Sizemore from years ago. At worst Sizemore doesn't work out and the team tries Jackie Bradley Jr. For now, though, let's sit back and hope for the best for Sizemore and his comeback attempt.