MLB Free Agency: Should the New York Yankees Take a Chance on Grady Sizemore?

On Monday, the Cleveland Indians announced that they declined their 2012 option on long-time center fielder Grady Sizemore.

The team had an $8.5 million option on Sizemore, but decided to decline it, thus making him a free agent this winter,

Should the Yankees consider going after Sizemore for 2012?

Sizemore has been often injured since 2008 and only played in 33 games in 2010 and 71 games in 2011 after recovering from micro-fracture surgery on his left knee.

Any team who takes a chance on Sizemore will know it's a huge risk given his recent injuries.

But when Sizemore was healthy and playing everyday, he was one of Cleveland's top rising stars that looked to have a bright future.

In 2008, he hit .268 with 33 home runs and 90 RBI as a lead-off hitter in Cleveland, plus won back to back Gold Glove Awards.

Now, considering his recent micro-fracture surgery, a move to right field could definitely happen for the 29-year-old outfielder.

Plus, a change of scenery could always benefit a player too, and given the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium, maybe Sizemore's power could be rejuvenated.

The Yankees did just pick up the 2012 option on current right fielder Nick Swisher and they also have Curtis Granderson playing in center field, but the Yankees could always trade Swisher before the 2012 season.

Sizemore would definitely be one of the "high-risk, high-reward" type contracts given how talented of a player he is, but would the Yankees want to give him a lot of guaranteed money if his injuries progress into his 30's?

When I did my free agent predictions for 2012, I did pick the San Francisco Giants to be the team to land Sizemore because of their need for offense.

But, if Sizemore is healthy, a team could use his speed, power and defense in the outfield.

And considering how awful Swisher was in the 2011 playoffs, it could cause the Yankees to look at other options for the outfield.

But, we still have to go back to the injury risk.

For all we know, Sizemore's injuries could continue to get worse, and then he has no value to any team.

Or, Sizemore could be recovered from his injuries and go back to being the player that Cleveland saw as the potential face of the franchise.

Someone will likely give Sizemore a chance in 2012.

Could it be the Yankees? Should they look into it?

If he is healthy, then I say yes, but with an incentive-laden deal.

If he still has the lingering effects of the knee surgery, then I say no and just live with Swisher in right for 2012.

Stay tuned, Yankees Universe. The free agency hot stove is about to really get going come Thursday.