The Indians and Grady Sizemore

Grady Sizemore is a Cleveland fan favorite. But, Grady Sizemore, coming off an injury plagued 2010 is a mystery. Most Indian fans are hoping to see a rejuvenated Sizemore who can put up numbers like he did in 2006 when he hit .289 w/ 22HR, 81RBI's. Throw in 15 to 20 SB's and he will once again be the toast of the town. All that would be left would be the formality of signing a new deal. But, that is the problem.

With a successful season under his belt, what is really the best option for this club? The Cleveland Indians are a perfect example of a small market team that for years has lived off potential and its farm teams to fill the major league roster with young talent signed for lengthy deals. Just like with Sizemore though, their best assets always provide the drama associated with sinking large sums of money into above average talent or trading them away to restock with inexpensive potential starters.

There is no doubt that the Cleveland Indians develop quality prospects. For years they have nurtured some solid talent and traded that talent away. Unfortunately, the team has also been left to rebuild when their most beloved players like CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee have moved out and on. This will more than likely be the scenario with Sizemore at season's end.

While I am always interested in finding out a players worth and sending them off for younger guys I can possibly hope to love better. Guys who could be the pieces to the complicated championship puzzle so often found by teams like the Marlins or Giants. But, Sizemore means more to me than that.

To me, Sizemore is worth holding onto. First and foremost because of his potential to be the guy who leads us to a World Series because of his skills. But, more importantly because he could definitely be the veteran leader needed to lead a team to a championship because of his character. He is a hard worker with solid fundamentals and from my perspective, is worth keeping over mining for someone from another team who might be a little bit cheaper.

It is time that the Indians spent some money. If Sizemore has the type of season we expect, that money should go towards his next contract. Continuity, youth, talent and veteran leadership are the keys to forming a smart ball club that can overcome the small market label and win on the field. With strong arms in the rotation and bullpen, hitters like Sizemore who can fill up the stat sheet in all areas is like gold. No, we can't break the bank for him, but we can take a step back and realize that some assets can't be sold off regardless of the possible return.

Sizemore is truly a Cleveland fan favorite and as long as he remains healthy and productive, all efforts should be made to keep him an Indian. With that in mind, we all should look forward to 2011 and the decision to be made by this team for his future in 2012 and then beyond.