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Does Grady Sizemore still have any Value?

By Josh Sippie

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Grady Sizemore reached the Major Leagues at the tender young age of 21. He was going to be the next big thing, the Bryce Harper or Mike Trout of his era. He wasted no time getting started. In his first full season as a 22 year old, Grady Sizemore played in 158 games and hit .289 with 22 home runs and 81 RBIs out of the lead-off spot and playing center field. It was no walk in the park, but he made it look like one.

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Grady Sizemore was clearly becoming the best up-and-coming player in the league, a five-tool player, and he was destined for greatness (as is restated by CBS Sports). He’d follow up his excellent rookie season, where he earned a six-year deal, with an even better sophomore season where he hit .290 with 28 home runs and 76 RBIs. He was elected to his first all-star game as well.

Just in case we had forgotten Grady Sizemore, he followed up his excellent sophomore season in 2007 with yet another fantastic season, going .277 with 24 home runs and 78 RBIs. Another all-star game election and it was becoming clear that Grady Sizemore was the real deal. He was a force to be reckoned with and there were few in the game that could do it better than him.

However, 2008 would be the beginning of the end for the young phenom. Ironically, it would also be his best season. Although his batting average fell to .268, Grady Sizemore put up 33 home runs, 90 RBIs and 38 stolen bases, all career highs. However, his streak of 383 consecutive games played would end and essentially, so would his career.

During the off season, Grady Sizemore committed to play in the World Baseball Classic, however he injured his groin and pulled out. It would be the first of many injuries that would hamper and completely derail Grady Sizemore’s baseball career. After a disappointing season, Sizemore pulled the trigger on surgery on his elbow that had been bother him since spring training. He also underwent surgery on his abdomen.

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Following the two elective surgeries, Grady Sizemore underwent a microfracture surgery that would end his 2010 season. He’d follow that up with a knee injury and another sports hernia before the Cleveland Indians bid farewell to their prodigal son.

Now, Grady Sizemore is a journeyman. He’s 32 years old and the Phillies (of all teams) have designated the once-studly Sizemore for assignment. What once was one of the most promising careers in baseball is now all but forgotten.

So the question is, is there still value to be had in Grady Sizemore, or is career all but over?

Being just 32 years old, age isn’t really a deterring factor for Grady Sizemore, but the fact that he hasn’t had any prolonged Major League success since 2008 is a deterring factor, plus the lingering injury issues that one can only hope he’s passed.

Personally, I would like to see a contending team give Grady Sizemore another shot because he is a talented player and that doesn’t just leave you. He may need to shake off some rust and get back into the swing of things, but given a prolonged stint on a team with something to play for, Sizemore could very well recover some of his old self and make an impact on a professional baseball team.

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