Grady Sizemore to the Brewers…Possible

This is one rumor that has me intigued.  While everyone else wants to talk about Jose Reyes and Prince Fielder in Milwuakee, what about a guy like Sizemore? 

My brain tells me that with Nyjer Morgan and Carlos Gomez platooning, there is no need for a center fielder on this roster.  Now, believe me, I know that Morgan is a sub-par fielder and Gomez is a sub-par hitter, but together they make a nice little pairing, right?   

My heart tells me that a healthy Sizemore makes them both expendable.  But, much with Jose Reyes, Sizmore is a guy who can produce…but his health is seriously in question. 

Grady Sizemore has a really impressive resume from about 2005 through the 2008 season.  In that stretch of time he hit 107 HR’s, drove in 325 runs, and his batting average never dipped below .268.  At that point in time, he was one of the best in the game, no argument necessary.  However, like Reyes, 2009 through 2011 were plagued by injuries.  Here is a short list of injuries/surgeries over the past 3 seasons for Grady: Groin issues, elbow surgery, microfracture in left knee, major issues in right knee, and most recently a sports hernia surgery.   

Sizemore was one of the best defensive outfielders in the game during his prime, but the sun seems to be setting on those days.  Two bad knees and some groin issues tend to be bad for aging outfielders.  And yet, I can not help but look back at some other Brewers free-agency signing involving players in their 30’s and past their physical prime and tremble with fear.

There is not much to dislike about Sizemore … other than the constant string of injuries and surgeries.   Solid in the outfield, good at the plate, and a threat on the base paths.

The only thing that I can see seperating a player like Sizemore from Reyes, price.  Reyes is asking for a great sum of money, despite his impressive hospital resume.  Meanwhile, Sizemore is much more attainable since most teams have labeled him as “damaged goods”.  That label does not bode well for a player trying to land a nice contract.  Whatever the reasoning, Reyes has been able to escape that label.  In this case, it could the thing that lands Sizemore in Brew City.

The Free Agency period is about value.  Some teams value players more than others, and vice versa.  To me, the value in Grady Sizemore is his contract terms.  Jose Reyes is going to want roughly $15 million a season, for 5 to 8 years.  Sizmore and his camp are probably gearing more towards $4 million for 1 or 2 years.  That is a low risk, high reward situation.  The Brewers could sign Sizemore, bring him in to camp and let him compete for the job.  Worst case scenario, the Brewers trade Morgan or Gomez.  That deal does not sound half bad to me. 

Despite all of this, I just do not think that an outfielder is going to be on the radar for Brewers management this winter.  I like Sizemore, but find it hard to believe that the Brewers will do much more than kick tires on the guy.  Team needs as of today, do not include an outfielder, as far as I know.  Grady Sizemore might be a nice piece to repeating as NL Central Champs, but we still need a shortstop, first baseman, and major bullpen help.

In conclusion, while this is a possible scenario, I do not think it likely.  Jose Reyes is less likely, but I am fairly certain neither of these gentlemen will be playing in Milwuakee next season.