Grady Sizemore: Should the Indians Move Him at Peak Value or Pursue Division?

This is the life of a post-1990s Cleveland Indians fan. Cleveland has an All-Star player and a fan favorite in Grady Sizemore. So as we watch Sizemore lead another young team with promise and playoff hopes, there is one question on everyone’s mind when Grady’s name comes up.

Will Cleveland be able to keep Sizemore in an Indians uniform after next season?

Only time will answer that question. The more important question to ask yourself is what would be the better option for the Indians as an organization? I’ll lay out the pros and cons, and you be the judge.

Trading Sizemore - Pros:

Indians general managers have had some success in the past when it comes to dealing players midseason. The famous Bartolo Colon trade with the Expos brought the Indians Sizemore, Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips.

Throughout the past few years, the Indians have sent Ben Broussard, Casey Blake, Einar Diaz and Eduardo Perez to various teams hoping to fill a gap and make it into the playoffs. In return, the Indians received Shin Soo-Choo, Carlos Santana, Travis Hafner and Asdrubal Cabrera.

That adds up to four All-Stars the Tribe acquired for three career backups/journeymen and a serviceable third baseman (Blake).

Most of the Indians’ trades came midseason. The player that was traded only had three months left playing in Cleveland.

So what could the Indians get back for Sizemore, keeping in mind that he has an affordable contract this year and an affordable team option next year? Two “no doubt” prospects and two other promising ones? That doesn’t seem out of the question considering the bidding war that would take place.

The Yankees, Athletics, Giants, Cardinals, Brewers, Reds, Nationals and Braves are all teams that I’m sure would show some interest.

If the Indians did trade Sizemore, I’m sure they would be looking for players close to major league ready. The young Indians team has an average age in the mid-20's and will be reaching their prime together within the next few years.

Imagine if the Indians could package Sizemore for a No. 1 starter, a power hitting left-fielder and a flame-throwing reliever. I’m sure the Indians would put Michael Brantley back in centerfield, and then you’re looking at a very dangerous club in 2014.

With Hafner’s and Grady’s contracts coming off the books after the 2012 season, the Indians will have $23 million extra per year that isn’t committed to anyone. That would give the Indians the option of re-signing Choo and other players who develop into stars (Justin Masterson, Chris Perez, etc.).

If the Indians are winning and attracting fans, then maybe ownership will finally make that “big free agent splash” and get a guy on the Cliff Lee or Albert Pujols "level."

Trading Sizemore would not be the popular choice for most Indians fans. The important thing to remember is that the popular choice is not always the best choice. With Sizemore’s stellar start and recent injuries, moving him at peak value could be the best choice for the organization’s futures.

Trading Sizemore - Cons:

I made a case earlier for trading Sizemore by listing all the great trades Indians’ management has made. Let’s look at the recent departures and arrivals involving guys on Sizemore’s playing level.

Who would you rather have on your team? C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez or Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley, Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, Jason Donald and Justin Masterson. I’m not knocking guys like LaPorta, Carrasco, etc., and I think they are all contributing to our success.

The hard truth is that most of those guys are average or slightly above average which means they could be replaced by free agents or other prospects.

Guys like Lee, Sabathia and Martinez are NOT replaceable. Those are the types of players that bring home the personal and team hardware and make Hall of Fame speeches 15 years down the road.

Trading a similar player, such as Sizemore, for a group of average players is unacceptable.

Let’s say the Indians move Sizemore. Who would manager Manny Acta put in centerfield and who would lead off? That’s an easy one—Michael Brantley.

But what about left-field? That’s where it gets a little sketchy.

Internally, the Indians don’t have many options in the outfield. Jared Head and Chad Huffman are hitting well in AAA, but do not grade out as top prospects. Nick Weglarz is an interesting prospect, but the Indians would take a hit on defense, speed and on-base percentage.

As of right now, Weglarz looks like Matt LaPorta Version 2.0. Abner Abreu is an interesting player to keep an eye on, but he is far from ready. Abreu is currently playing for the Indians Single A team and has a lot of raw talent.

There are some interesting names on the free-agent list this winter including Carlos Beltran, Ryan Ludwick and Michael Cuddyer. The problem is that none of those guys is going to help the Indians this year while they pursue the AL Central crown.

There comes a point in time when the Dolan’s have to say that they will not be a farm system for the “big boys” anymore and pay the money to keep their homegrown star players. Signing Sizemore to a long contract will show their loyalty to the fans and their commitment to building a winner.

Sizemore is the face of the franchise. As of now, the Indians are one of the best teams in baseball and trading Sizemore would send the wrong message to the players, coaches and fans.

For the first time in over a decade, the Indians have a six- to eight-year window to compete for the American League Central title, and Grady is the perfect guy to lead the team.

My Choice: KEEP HIM!