Indians need him to regain his three-time all-star form after knee surgery. Also, Travis Hafner's contract; links to Tribe prospects, etc.
A comeback by Grady Sizemore would add power and speed to the Indians lineup.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians this season will rely, to a large degree, on players trying to establish themselves as legitimate, long-term big leaguers.
Yet, most of the impact on any team's would-be success is generated by the veterans.
Center fielder Grady Sizemore, although just 28, fits into that category for the Tribe. And though Sizemore has made three all-star teams and won two Gold Gloves, he is a major question mark.
Cameron Zick writes for Sports Illustrated's SI.com that Sizemore is one of MLB's top hitters trying to come back from an injury:
But after being limited to just 109 games because of injury in 2009, Sizemore played only 33 games in 2010 before an awkward slide in May forced him to undergo season-ending microfracture surgery on his left knee. He has been cleared to resume modified baseball activities but the recovery for that type of surgery surgery is long and tenuous. The Indians are hopeful he can be healthy by Opening Day, but as eager as they are for their 28-year-old star to be back in their lineup, he needs the regain his stroke at the plate just as badly. He was batting just .211/.271/.289 with no home runs at the time of his injury and has an $8.5 million club option for 2012 that will put Cleveland in a precarious position to either trade Sizemore or let him become a free agent if he doesn't return to form.
(Note: The .211/.271/.289 refers to batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage)
Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes beat writer Paul Hoynes' report on the television and radio schedule for spring training and the regular season; columnist Terry Pluto's podcast.
Pronk's pay
Besides Sizemore, another Indians veteran who hopes to near his former production is designated hitter Travis Hafner.
Hafner, hampered by shoulder problems in recent seasons, has not provided the power he once did. In fact, Bob Nightengale writes for USAToday.com that Hafner owns one of baseball's "most immovable contracts:"
Gone is his power, gone is his value. Hafner, who has averaged 11 homers and 41 RBI the past three years, is still owed $26 million over the next two years, with the Indians holding a $2.7 million buyout for 2013.
Full counts
Phil Wood of MASNsports.com -- part of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network -- reports that a big league scout has told him that the Indians and Washington Nationals have had "conversations" about Indians starting pitcher Fausto Carmona and Sizemore.
The "MLB Facts & Rumors" blog on CBSSports.com mentions the MASNsports.com speculation, writing, "Keep in mind that this is just talk."
Indians Prospect Insider has begun its countdown of the top 50 prospects in the Indians organization. Tony Lastoria writes a profile of No. 47, switch-hitting infielder Jorge Martinez.
The progress of pitcher Alex White, the Indians' first pick in the 2009 draft, by Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal.
Jordan Bastian of MLB.com answers readers' questions about the Indians.
The chances of young infielder Jason Kipnis making the Indians' big league roster out of spring training, by Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal.
Source: http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2011/01/pm_cleveland_indians_links_42.html
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