Item from Nick Cafardo's Sunday Baseball Page: "Updates- Grady Sizemore CF Red Sox- As we reported last week, the Red Sox loved Sizemore's speed and explosion during workouts, but what's left unsaid is how he will react to playing on a daily basis again. This is a tricky roster spot. If Sizemore wins the CF job in camp, it appears Jackie Bradley Jr, who is already working out in Fort Myers, will start the season in Pawtucket."
The Sox have an important choice to make regarding Bradley. A year ago, he was seen as an exciting bright spot in a camp that was full of questions after the 2012 debacle. Not only was he projected as the successor to Jacoby Ellsbury if he walked (which he did) but also was in the opening day lineup in left field. But after a successful day with 3 walks, 2 runs scored, and some hustle plays on the bases, Bradley Jr looked rather lost at the plate. Optioned to Pawtucket on April 19, he was up and down six different times, which is not the best way to build confidence in a 22-year-old. For the season, he batted .189 in Boston with 3 homers and 10 rbi's in 95 at bats. His minor league totals were good, but considerably down from the previous year.
A dilemma exists. Between 05 and 08, Sizemore was perhaps the Indians' premier hitter, averaging .281 with 41 doubles, 8 triples, 27 homers and 81 rbi's. He also averaged 28 stolen bases. A three-time AL all-star in center field, he had two Gold Gloves to his credit. Sizemore also finished fairly high in MVP voting on three occasions.
Grady's injury problems began in 09, when he hurt his groin early in spring training. He managed to play in only 106 contests, and before season's end, had to submit to both elbow and groin surgery.. The next season, he appeared in only 33 contests before knee microfracture surgery had to be performed. After another injury- riddled 2011campaign, Sizemore was unable to play in 2012 and 2013. Last year, at age 30, he was a free agent but did not wish to commit to a team until ready to play again. His Sox contract, signed in January, is for one year and $750,000 with incentives that could reach $6 million.
Bradley Jr, who along with his father, was named for the late great singer Jackie Wilson, seems to be a proud African-American man who writes M.S. in the dirt before every at bat in honor of a friend who died in a car accident. After a '13 season seemingly on a constant commute between Boston and Pawtucket, losing his job to a white ballplayer who has not played regularly in four seasons could sour him permanently on the Sox.
The fact that Bradley Jr is working out before spring training is a very positive sign. Based on his strong hitting and defense in 2012, he should be given every chance to make it in the team's open CF spot. Remember that in 07 rookie Dustin Pedroia exploded from a .200 April to win the Rookie of the Year award. Jackie Bradley Jr deserves the same opportunity.
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