4 Teams That Should Go After the Cleveland Indians' Grady Sizemore

Things have been tough for Cleveland Indians' center fielder Grady Sizemore in 2011. He's already been on the disabled list twice and is hitting only .226, more than 40 points below his career average. The Indians remain in contention, but their once-gaping lead in the central division has been erased by the Detroit Tigers, and doubts about whether they can stay in contention have begun to surface.

If the Tribe can't keep up with the rest of the central division then they will likely start to unload some of their players around the trade deadline. One of those players could be Sizemore, who's contract runs through the end of this season with a club option for 2012. If the Indians shop Sizemore there won't be as many teams interested in him as there would be in years past, but he will draw serious interest. Here are four teams should consider him if he's on the trading block.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants are looking to repeat as World Series Champions, and an upgrade at center field would greatly help that cause. Aaron Rowand and Andres Torres have shared time at center field, but both are hitting less than .250 and both are five years older than Sizemore. Sizemore is a better hitter than Torres and can split time at center field with Rowand, who can play anywhere in the outfield. Sizemore's speed would suit him well in the National League, both on the base paths and in the outfield. His hitting would also improve in left-hander friendly AT&T Park.

Los Angeles Angels

Bringing Sizemore to the Angels could be huge for them if Sizemore is willing to split time between left and center field. With Peter Bourjos playing center field and Torii Hunter in right field, left fielder Vernon Wells has been the weak link in the Angels' outfield, hitting only .216 with 26 RBI. Bourjos is a solid young center fielder, but Sizemore is a better power hitter even in a down year. Sizemore would give a boost to the Angels batting lineup and help them keep pace with the hard hitting Texas Rangers as the AL west race continues.

Tampa Bay Rays

The AL East race is shaping up to be one of the closest in baseball, with the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays all within two games of each other. Rays center fielder B.J. Upton's batting average has declined in each of the last four seasons, and the team could explore its options for an upgrade. The struggling Sizemore doesn't appear to be much of an improvement over Upton, but the Rays may be willing to deal for Sizemore if his numbers improve.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have been a pleasant surprise and remain very much in the thick of the AL west race. If they can stay in contention, they will be buyers when the trade deadline rolls around.

Mariners center fielder Franklin Gutierrez has been sidelined for most of the season with irritable bowel syndrome. He has been struggling at the plate since his return, hitting .197 in 36 games. A move to add Sizemore is a long shot at best, but it is one the team should consider if they keep contending and if the Tribe collapses.