Reader Mike Di Ianni sent us a message on our Facebook page suggesting that free agent outfielder Grady Sizemore might be a worthwhile gamble for the Phillies, who still have an outfield need.
Here is what Mike had to say:
Since there aren't that many more choices of corner outfielders on the free agent market, I happened to find the name of 30 year old Grady Sizemore on the market. Once you say his name, people think of the injuries he has had in the past. Let's put a "Moneyball effect" on it.
Does he get on base? In his 8 year career, he has a career OBP of .357. The average OBP is .333.
I know he is also a left handed bat, but he can hit lefties pretty well. He can bat in any part of the lineup. If we were to get Grady Sizemore my lineup is the following without Ruiz, since he is out for 25 games:
1. Revere LF
2. Young 3B
3. Utley 2B
4. Howard 1B
5. Rollins SS
6. Sizemore CF
7. Ruf RF
8. Kratz C
9. Pitcher
With Ruiz
1. Revere LF
2. Young 3B
3. Utley 2B
4. Howard 1B
5. Ruiz C
6. Sizemore CF
7. Rollins SS
8. Ruf RF
9. Pitcher
Grady Sizemore can steal bases, hit doubles, hit homeruns, get hit by the pitch, walk, and beat out a ground ball. Those doubles can turn into homeruns in Citizens Bank Park.
Grady Sizemore can also track a ball down in the outfield, nail a guy out at the plate to save the game, and run into the wall and make a circus catch. Philly fans want to see that happen.
If I were Rubae Amaro Jr., I would offer him a 1 year contract for about $2.5-3 million dollars. If he has a breakout year, sign him for another year for about 4 million dollars.
