Sox Sign Sizemore

[Yelling At Clouds]

I guess they would send JBJ down. 

 
Maybe I'm just higher on Bradley than most, but I don't really see what he has left to prove in AAA. I also would think microfracture surgery on both knees would limit mobility to the point where centerfield wouldn't be an option for Sizemore. 
 
EDIT: Fair enough about making him 'earn the job.'

 

[ChefDJW]

Grady. I'm surprised no one has made the Little vs. Sizemore comment yet.

 

[plucy]

Maybe he can host a Robocop premiere.

Or a bobble head night and body parts fall off when you shake the doll.

 

[Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat]

Grady. I'm surprised no one has made the Little vs. Sizemore comment yet.

Because it isn't relevant, interesting, or funny?
 
EDIT--back on topic, I love this signing.  Really, what's not to love?

 

[mauidano]

 
That pic on the left is not really SFW.

What's not SFW is when you Google her, images of Grady Sizemore and a coffee cup with not much more pop up.

 

[soxhop411]

Scott Lauber ‏@ScottLauber56s
Per source: Sizemore's incentives would be based on days spent on #RedSox' roster and plate appearances
https://twitter.com/ScottLauber/status/426158183699054592

 

[alwyn96]

Because it isn't relevant, interesting, or funny?
 
EDIT--back on topic, I love this signing.  Really, what's not to love?

 
There's not a ton of risk in signing Sizemore, and he's kind of a funny out of nowhere name from the past (like the Phils signing Bobby Abreu again for some reason), but you gotta wonder if he can even play CF at this point. I assume the Red Sox worked him out or scouted him or something to make sure he could still play (right?), but if it turns out he can't, then that really limits his usefulness, and you've probably lost a (admittedly fungible) reliever from the 40-man based on a dream and a half-drunk memory of what the guy used to be. 

 

[Plympton91]

 
There's not a ton of risk in signing Sizemore, and he's kind of a funny out of nowhere name from the past (like the Phils signing Bobby Abreu again for some reason), but you gotta wonder if he can even play CF at this point. I assume the Red Sox worked him out or scouted him or something to make sure he could still play (right?), but if it turns out he can't, then that really limits his usefulness, and you've probably lost a (admittedly fungible) reliever from the 40-man based on a dream and a half-drunk memory of what the guy used to be. 

 
I guess you could play Victorino in CF and Sizemore in RF?  Seems like the longest of longshots; Not my $750k.  

 

[Sprowl]

 
Scott Lauber ‏@ScottLauber56s
Per source: Sizemore's incentives would be based on days spent on #RedSox' roster and plate appearances
https://twitter.com/ScottLauber/status/426158183699054592
 

 
He should have asked for an Ellsbury multiplier based on closeups, with a supplement for selfies. The guy is not shy in front of the camera.

 

[alwyn96]

 
I guess you could play Victorino in CF and Sizemore in RF?  Seems like the longest of longshots; Not my $750k.  

 
Yeah, he seems like the position player version of the Wade Miller/Brad Penny/John Smoltz thing Theo used to do. 
 
Kind of a bummer that he's also LH, but whatevs. I'll be impressed if he even makes it out of Spring training in one piece. 

 

[Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat]

 
Yeah, he seems like the position player version of the Wade Miller/Brad Penny/John Smoltz thing Theo used to do. 

Maybe, but he's only 31.  An old 31, perhaps, but he's not an old guy.

 

[alwyn96]

Maybe, but he's only 31.  An old 31, perhaps, but he's not an old guy.

Wade Miller was 28! He just lacked a functional shoulder. 

 

[ChefDJW]

Because it isn't relevant, interesting, or funny?

EDIT--back on topic, I love this signing. Really, what's not to love?

Pardon my snarkiness, (yeah, I know that may not even be a word) but isn't that part of this forum ?
Back on topic: I remember Sizemore being a hot property a few years ago, even having an SI cover story, but is he going to be along the lines of a Gomes , Vic , Nava? I 'm referring to team chemistry as well as ability.

 

[Leather]

Maybe, but he's only 31. An old 31, perhaps, but he's not an old guy.


Rocco Baldelli, revisited.

 

[Kid T]

Pardon my snarkiness, (yeah, I know that may not even be a word) but isn't that part of this forum ?
Back on topic: I remember Sizemore being a hot property a few years ago, even having an SI cover story, but is he going to be along the lines of a Gomes , Vic , Nava? I 'm referring to team chemistry as well as ability.

 
FWIW, I remember Gammons likening Pedrioa to Sizemore in that they were both sparkplug types who would energize their team mates through the dog days of summer. 

 

[67WasBest]

Biggest upside is he takes over CF and JBJ continuies finishing school in Pawtucket - great organizational depth
 
Reasonable return is he stays healthy enough to back up CF and RF for 60 games this year - great team depth
 
Worst case is he breaks down and they've lost $750K - not significant in the big picture!
 
There is nothing to dislike about this deal. 

 

[ChefDJW]

FWIW, I remember Gammons likening Pedrioa to Sizemore in that they were both sparkplug types who would energize their team mates through the dog days of summer.

Ok, that 's good to know.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

Speier:
 
 
I like the signing generally, but I can't say I understand this part of it. 

 

His 69 OPS+.

 

[soxhop411]

Scott Lauber ‏@ScottLauber45s
Sizemore: "No restrictions from a running standpoint. I'm doing everything I have to do to get ready for a normal baseball season." #RedSox
 
 
 

Boston Red Sox ‏@RedSox9m
Sizemore on conference call: Honestly I'm just looking for an opportunity to play & get in the OF. I was looking to fit in any way I could.
 
Boston Red Sox ‏@RedSox8m
Sizemore on signing with #RedSox: Who wouldn't want to be a part of this group of guys.
 

Boston Red Sox ‏@RedSox6m
Sizemore on decision to sign here: I thought the #RedSox gave me the best opportunity to succeed medically with a plan to stay healthy.
 
Boston Red Sox ‏@RedSox6m
Sizemore said engaged in talks for about a month. Familiarity with John Farrell from days in Cleveland made decision a lot easier.

 

 
 
http://twitter.com/RedSox

 

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

At only 750 k guaranteed, I love this deal. 7 years ago, he was compared to having the potential of some all-time greats. Obviously he's not going to be that at this age, but in his youth, he did put up 4 straight seasons of 123+ OPS+ and 3 straight top 12 MVP finishes. He also has a knack for HBP, like Shane, which isn't great for his injury risks. But hey, JBJ needs competition.
 
And if improves the aesthetics of 2014 Fenway fans, so much the better.
 
Hope we get a fraction of what Mark Shapiro was expecting.

 

[Corsi]

Former Tigers RHP Brayan Villarreal DFA'd by Red Sox to make room for Grady Sizemore.
 

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/426177324459892736

 

[YTF]

Honestly, what's not to like and what is the risk? If he doesn't make it out of spring training is there any real harm done? Minimal money to a guy can provide more reward than risk at THAT money. (IMO) The guy doesn't have anything to learn, he's not green. It's just a matter if can he still perform. His skills haven't eroded because of age. I think it's a really good signing at $750,000.

 

[MentalDisabldLst]

Grady. I'm surprised no one has made the Little vs. Sizemore comment yet.

 
What comment would that be?
 
"It's funny because two people share the same uncommon first name!"
 

I remember Sizemore being a hot property a few years ago, even having an SI cover story, but...

 
Well, now we know why he can't stay healthy.

 

[drbretto]

This is a powerball ticket.

 

[The Boomer]

Damn Sox are always trying to one-up the Yankees.  I figured with Brian Roberts signed, there was no way the Sox would be able to compete with the Yankees on the "most-fragile-player" front.
 
I was wrong, so wrong.

 
Except that the Yankees have Roberts slotted in as their starting 2B.  What do they do if he gets hurt?  Sizemore is actually deep depth if healthy.  He is a bargain compared to my early winter binky, Chris Young, who received more Mets money guaranteed than Sizemore will if he ends up as an outfield starter for the Sox.  It will be a great story if Sizemore recovers any of his former glory.  If he gets injured again, $750,000 (a fraction of the Tanaka posting fee) was little to pay in baseball dollars for this possibly winning lottery ticket.

 

[sfip]

The Red Sox team store is already selling Grady Sizemore jerseys. pic.twitter.com/xUfJVx8B4M
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) January 23, 2014

 

[EvilEmpire]

Except that the Yankees have Roberts slotted in as their starting 2B.  What do they do if he gets hurt?  Sizemore is actually deep depth if healthy.  He is a bargain compared to my early winter binky, Chris Young, who received more Mets money guaranteed than Sizemore will if he ends up as an outfield starter for the Sox.  It will be a great story if Sizemore recovers any of his former glory.  If he gets injured again, $750,000 (a fraction of the Tanaka posting fee) was little to pay in baseball dollars for this possibly winning lottery ticket.

It was a joke, son.

 

[staz]

Not to get all MFY-obsessed, but it's amazing how very different these 2 organizations approach team building.

 

[The Boomer]

Not to get all MFY-obsessed, but it's amazing how very different these 2 organizations approach team building.

 
You have to hope that Sizemore gets a second act to restore his career after recovering from serious injuries like Eric Davis or Carlos Beltran.  Worst case, the Sox just paid for Sizemore's next surgery.  Best case is that he is Carlos Beltran like when the Cardinals resurrected his career as compared to the full price Carlos Beltran who the Yankees just signed for a premium price to spend his golden years (and his gold) with the Yankees.

 

[Reverend]

The last time they pulled something like this with Napoli, it worked out pretty ok.

Blow the bomb, Ben--we're with you.

 

[Jack Rabbit Slim]

Not that I hate the deal, but everyone keeps saying there is no downside to this deal.  IMO there is the very real downside of Sizemore showing something in spring training, leading to a trade of Carp or Nava, after which Sizemore's body disintegrates as usual.  

 

[SouthernBoSox]

Not that I hate the deal, but everyone keeps saying there is no downside to this deal.  IMO there is the very real downside of Sizemore showing something in spring training, leading to a trade of Carp or Nava, after which Sizemore's body disintegrates as usual.  

100% chance JBJ is in AAA if Sizemore shows out and "earns" a starting gig. Nothing in the Ben Cherrington history points to selling off assets and depth because of "too many players"

 

[went9]

This is a powerball ticket.

Agree. I'm enjoying Grady's Similarity Scores on B-ref. Trot Nixon, Justin Upton, Cory Hart, Adam Jones...
and then by age; Reggie Smith, Barry Bonds, Jack Clark, and The Silver Fox.
 
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sizemgr01.shtml#trans
 
One powerball ticket please. Thank you.   Oh, and a side order of Brit B to go please.

 

[The Gray Eagle]

Even if Bradley looks good in spring training and Carp, Nava, Gomes, Napoli, Victorino and Ortiz are also all healthy, Sizemore could start the season on the DL, then go to Pawtucket on a rehab assignment, buying at least a month to see how he's looking and how everyone else is doing. 

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

The last time they pulled something like this with Napoli, it worked out pretty ok.

Blow the bomb, Ben--we're with you.

 
I don't know.  He hasn't played professional baseball since 2011 and even then it was only 71 games.  He played 33 games in 2010.  Napoli played in 108 games the year before he signed with the Red Sox and 113 the year before that.  It's not really all that similar.  Is there any reason to assume Grady will play more than a handful of games in 2014?  If any?  Is there much reason to think he'll be anywhere near his old self after 2 full seasons off from the sport and only a little over 100 games played over the last 4?  He hasn't had an above average offensive season since 2009, and hasn't been great since 2008.
 
There's no real downside to this deal, and his talent level is obviously extremely high, but two full years off following two partial seasons means he's a long way from being the guy a lot of people are drooling over here.  I hope it works out, but he's a lottery ticket, at best.  And I don't even know if I'd say he's a Powerball ticket.  Maybe more like a Play 5 ticket, or a $10.00 scratch off ticket.

 

[nothumb]

Even if Bradley looks good in spring training and Carp, Nava, Gomes, Napoli, Victorino and Ortiz are also all healthy, Sizemore could start the season on the DL, then go to Pawtucket on a rehab assignment, buying at least a month to see how he's looking and how everyone else is doing. 

 
This was where I went when I started thinking about the roster issues as well. One suspects, based on his circumstances and the notes from the conference call, that Sizemore will be ok with a little extra sick leave in Pawtucket if necessary (to a point, of course).

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

100% chance JBJ is in AAA if Sizemore shows out and "earns" a starting gig. Nothing in the Ben Cherrington history points to selling off assets and depth because of "too many players"

 
But that's a downside in and of itself, if JBJ is ready.
 
It also strikes me as odd to think of Sizemore as a competitor with JBJ for the CF job. He hasn't been a plus defensive CF by the numbers since at least 2008. If anything I'd see him as a backup/platoon guy for the corners who could fill in in CF in an emergency. Really it's Nava, not JBJ, that he should replace if he hits in ST. But I realize that contradicts your second sentence, which reinforces my feeling that this is an odd signing. Maybe there's no downside to it--though I'm not sure of that, as I said above--but I'm not sure what the realistic upside is, either.

 

[geoduck no quahog]

Speier:

Sizemore, according to a source, is being brought in to compete with Jackie Bradley Jr for CF job in spring training
 

 

 
Since when are positions won or lost in Spring Training...as a matter of policy.

 

[The Boomer]

 
But that's a downside in and of itself, if JBJ is ready.
 
It also strikes me as odd to think of Sizemore as a competitor with JBJ for the CF job. He hasn't been a plus defensive CF by the numbers since at least 2008. If anything I'd see him as a backup/platoon guy for the corners who could fill in in CF in an emergency. Really it's Nava, not JBJ, that he should replace if he hits in ST. But I realize that contradicts your second sentence, which reinforces my feeling that this is an odd signing. Maybe there's no downside to it--though I'm not sure of that, as I said above--but I'm not sure what the realistic upside is, either.

 
Beyond providing some spring competition for Bradley to prevent complacency, he might slot best, once he proves that he has sustainable health, as a replacement for Nava (or Carp).  If they see cost controlled Carp as a backup 1B and LF plus the possible future DH replacement for Ortiz, they might be looking for a potential Nava replacement. Arguments can be made that Nava just had his career year and they need an upgrade in LF as much if not more there than anywhere.  If healthy, Sizemore could be the regular LF before the end of next season after transitioning as a frequently used backup OF.  Unless JBJ totally flops (which my gut suggests is unlikely), they might be hoping that Sizemore will be their next successful reclamation perhaps on a timetable that is at a somewhat slower pace than was necessary for Victorino.  An outfield of a somewhat diminished Sizmore plus Bradley and Victorino could be formidable during the course of another contending stretch run.  Nava or Carp  might get dealt only after they confirm that Sizemore will be healthy and productive.

 

[Tharkin]

Boston Red Sox ‏@RedSox8m

Sizemore on signing with #RedSox: Who wouldn't want to be a part of this group of guys
 
------------
 
Boy, isn't that refreshing to see.  What a quick turnaround in team culture.  I mean, I suppose it is possible that it is just PR talk or has to do with a good shot at a ring, but who could watch last year's team without thinking "I want to be a part of that?"
 
An aside: how do I quote something that someone else already has in a quote? When I hit the quote button it only copied part of it, and it wasn't the part I wanted.

 

[radsoxfan]

 
I don't know.  He hasn't played professional baseball since 2011 and even then it was only 71 games.  He played 33 games in 2010.  Napoli played in 108 games the year before he signed with the Red Sox and 113 the year before that.  It's not really all that similar.  Is there any reason to assume Grady will play more than a handful of games in 2014?  If any?  Is there much reason to think he'll be anywhere near his old self after 2 full seasons off from the sport and only a little over 100 games played over the last 4?  He hasn't had an above average offensive season since 2009, and hasn't been great since 2008.
 
There's no real downside to this deal, and his talent level is obviously extremely high, but two full years off following two partial seasons means he's a long way from being the guy a lot of people are drooling over here.  I hope it works out, but he's a lottery ticket, at best.  And I don't even know if I'd say he's a Powerball ticket.  Maybe more like a Play 5 ticket, or a $10.00 scratch off ticket.

 
Agreed.  Hard to really see much similarity to Napoli other than an incentive-based contract.
 
Napoli had an asymptomatic condition which was only discovered on imaging.  While concerning, he had never missed a game due to that particular medical issue.
 
Sizemore's knee cartilage is disintegrating, which has caused him to miss the last 2 full seasons.  
 
If the Red Sox have a medical plan in place to manage his injury, I hope it works.  For 750K, its not a big deal if it doesn't.  As mentioned above, the only small downside is if he looks good through spring training, the Sox make trades or major roster alterations to account for him, but then he can't make it through the season.
 
It feels an awful lot like Brandon Roy's comeback attempt with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but hopefully Sizemore's knees aren't quite as bad.  At least baseball probably isn't quite as hard on your knees as basketball. 

 

[Rovin Romine]

 

Speier:
 

 
Since when are positions won or lost in Spring Training...as a matter of policy.
 

 
Speier is an excellent reporter, but I wonder who his "source" is.  
 
I'm sure that if Sizemore has an awesome spring training/April and JBJ is horrible that Sizemore will have a chance to play himself into any OF position, including CF.  That's the whole point of the signing.    

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

I'm sure the Sox will try him all over the outfield. While he is being brought in to be a CF the question remains, does he still physically have the range to play up the middle? I think if he hits well and Nava/Carp have terrible springs or either one is moved he's going to be in LF on opening day.

 

[Jer]

I find this move interesting because of what it says about JBJ. Mainly that the front-office is very confident in him. There's been plenty of talk of getting a legitimate talent to back him up, just in case he flops. This IS NOT that transaction.
 
Bringing in a "lottery ticket" would seem to imply that Ben has a lot of confidence in JBJ. No executive puts a plan B in place that has 0.01% of working. Barring futher OF depth transactions this offseason, he's now pretty committed to JBJ unless he wants to hit the trade market mid-season or play guys out of position.
 
Sizemore probably looked like a good fit because...
- He isn't really a threat to JBJ
- Farrell knows his attitude/make-up
- He has had significant major-league success, so JBJ will probably take him more seriously than a minor-leaguer in spring training
- He was very available/cheap

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

 
I guess you could play Victorino in CF and Sizemore in RF?  Seems like the longest of longshots; Not my $750k.  

 
 
 

I'm sure the Sox will try him all over the outfield. While he is being brought in to be a CF the question remains, does he still physically have the range to play up the middle? I think if he hits well and Nava/Carp have terrible springs or either one is moved he's going to be in LF on opening day.

 
 
So he's sure to be tried in CF, LF, or RF.  Got it.
 

Grady. I'm surprised no one has made the Little vs. Sizemore comment yet.

 
 

Because it isn't relevant, interesting, or funny?
 
EDIT--back on topic, I love this signing.  Really, what's not to love?

 
 

Pardon my snarkiness, (yeah, I know that may not even be a word) but isn't that part of this forum ?
Back on topic: I remember Sizemore being a hot property a few years ago, even having an SI cover story, but is he going to be along the lines of a Gomes , Vic , Nava? I 'm referring to team chemistry as well as ability.

 
snarkiness? yes.  But as Bob said, it wasn't funny, relevant, or interesting.  It's got to be ONE of those to be part of this forum.
 
Technically, Bob's reply was appropriately snarky.  You were unfunny and then defensive. 
 
On the other hand, I mentioned Grady Sizemore to my wife and she said "isn't he too old" and I said "not Grady Little" and she said "oh", so you got that going for you.

 

[joe dokes]

100% chance JBJ is in AAA if Sizemore shows out and "earns" a starting gig. Nothing in the Ben Cherrington history points to selling off assets and depth because of "too many players"

 
*Every* year, April is "if you have options, you might go down" time.
 
As for Speier's source, asuming the source is a team source, what else is the team going to say...."there's actually only about a 20% chance that Sizemore is able to walk into ST, so Jackie really has nothing to worry about..."? The days of announcing everyone's "role" on January 1st are over. That makes Nick Cafardo sad, but that's how good teams operate. It doesn't mean that if Brock Holt hits .900 in ST and Pedroia hits .132, that Holt gets the job, but the fact is that while the team likely feels that JBJ is ready for the gig, Sizemore "deserves" (for lack of a better word; nobody "derserves" anything they don't earn) to be described in different terms than Brock Holt.
 
IMO, the "source" is just paying a respected veteran some respect. If anyone is going to say, "Grady's days of 150 games are over; but for 150-200 AB's, he's going to be the best damn backup OF in MLB," they're letting it be Sizemore himself.  Its a small thing, and the "he's gonna compete with JBJ" gets a lot of panties in  a wad, but its the type of thing that makes players like Sizemore want to come to Boston.  To me, its of the same ilk as "David Ross is going to play more than the average backup."  No, not really.  He's going to play 50-60 games just like he always does. But it was a nice thing to say. And players -- especially older players -- probably appreciate that.

 

[moondog80]

If he were right handed maybe he could platoon with JBJ.  As it is, I don't see how he makes the team unless there's an injury - to someone else - before April.  Whose spot does he take?  There's just no way he can have the range and durability for full time CF at this point, and they're not going to rush out and trade Nava or Carp based on Sizemore staying upright for three weeks in March. 

 

[mauf]

I'm hoping the major-league contract and $750k guarantee are simply the price the FO paid to persuade Sizemore to sign here instead of taking a ST invite from a club where he'd have a better chance of making the 25-man roster. I reserve the right to hate this deal if JBJ has a strong spring but is sent to Pawtucket because he has options and other guys don't.

 

[Drek717]

If he were right handed maybe he could platoon with JBJ.  As it is, I don't see how he makes the team unless there's an injury - to someone else - before April.  Whose spot does he take?  There's just no way he can have the range and durability for full time CF at this point, and they're not going to rush out and trade Nava or Carp based on Sizemore staying upright for three weeks in March. 

He could always play RF with Vic in CF if he can't handle CF anymore.  There are options if he's healthy and ready to face ML pitching again.  Hell, if he only makes it a month or two into the season before falling apart again he could have pushed JBJ's arbitration clock out another year.  That will more than pay for the $750K plus incentives Sizemore would earn in that time.
 
The organization lacks high minors CF depth and JBJ only got around 300 ABs in AAA last year.  Him spending the first few months of 2014 in Pawtucket isn't the worst thing in the world if it adds more CF depth to the 40 man roster.

 

[Philip Jeff Frye]

Can he even play CF at this point?

Can he even play baseball at this point? 
 
Seriously, the what are the odds that he ever appears in a Red Sox uniform?  And will we be happy if he does?  Wouldn't that imply a spectacular failure by Bradley?  Several posters have commented that it will be good to provide some competition for JBJ to "avoid complacency."   Is JBJ already so entitled that the opportunity to play regular major league baseball and to potentially make millions of dollars if he's good at it not enough motivation to succeed? 
 
And if the Sox decide to send JBJ down for roster reasons, not wanting to lose a broken down has been like Grady Sizemore, what message does that send JBJ?
 
I think Farrell is too smart to pull a Gary Gaetti-type move a la Jimy Williams in 2000 because Grady happens to have a handful of decent games in the artificial environment of spring training, so this is hopefully not something we're even thinking about come April 15, but I don't like this move very much.