Washington Nationals might opt for free agent Grady Sizemore – MLB Update
The Cleveland Indians announced on Monday, October 31 that they will not exercise their 9-million-dollar option for 2012 on out-fielder Grady Sizemore, making him available to hit waters on the free market when the exclusive negotiation period for teams
and players ends at 12:01 am on Thursday, November 3.
This news came in good for the Washington Nationals, who are desperately looking to revamp their roster after failing to qualify for the postseason yet again in this past season. Sizemore was widely termed as one of the best players to ever play baseball,
but injuries halted his growth physically as well as technically. However, he continues to be a force to reckon in the Majors.
The Nationals announced Davey Johnson as the team’s manager for 2012, ending speculations about his term at the ballclub. Johnson voiced his concerns of not getting a roster in accordance to his style of play, but with free market now approaching, the manager
has a chance to tap in the players he has on his wish list.
Washington’s management has eight free agents to deal with and it seems unlikely that general manager Mike Rizzo will re-sign all of them. Rizzo declared that his top priority is to sign a centre-fielder in the offseason and with Sizemore now a free agent,
the GM might be up for negotiations. With Sizemore onboard, the Nationals will benefit from his consistency in the top-order, a place where there has been no solid player for at least the last two seasons.
Players like Coco Crisp and B.J. Upton can be looked upon as options, but they lack the buzz which Rizzo wants. In four seasons from 2005 to 2008, Sizemore won two Gold Gloves and was selected in three All-Star teams. However, Injuries had the better of
Sizemore in 2009 and they have continued to haunt his playing career since.
Sizemore has undergone various surgeries and his recent performances do not tell much about his class as well. The Indians, thinking wisely, came to the conclusion that Sizemore is not worth a hefty amount for 2012 and thus declined on the player option.
Nevertheless, Sizemore is still 29-years of age and if injuries subside, the Nationals will have one of the best in business among its ranks.
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