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Originally Published: August 12, 2003

Indians outfield prospect Grady Sizemore

Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore continues to show steady improvement at the Double-A level.

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By John Sickels
Special to ESPN.com
Archive

Grady Sizemore
Cleveland Indians
Position: OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Born: 8/2/82 Bats: Left Throws: Left

Background
I've received several requests lately for a report on Cleveland prospect Grady Sizemore. I aim to please, so here goes.

Sizemore was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the third round in 2000, out of high school in Everett, Washington. Best known as a football player in high school, Sizemore could have gone in the second round (or even the first in some years), but dropped a bit due to concerns about his desire to play college football at Washington. The Expos convinced him to sign with a $2 million bonus.

Sizemore had an adequate campaign at Class A Clinton in '01, and was putting up similar numbers at Brevard County in the Florida State League in '02. The Expos included him in the prospect package sent to Cleveland for Bartolo Colon last June. He has thrived since joining the Tribe, hitting well over .300 and showing improved power development.

Scouting report
Sizemore is a fine all-around athlete, with above average speed and strength. He was a big base stealer in the low minors, but has been less aggressive this year, and in the long run he may lose some of his foot speed as his body fills out. He won't lose strength; in fact, he's gaining it. After hitting just six homers in his first two and a half years of pro ball, he's almost doubled that total this year, while playing at a higher level.

He's getting stronger physically, while also adding a bit of loft to his swing. Sizemore is a contact hitter with decent strike zone judgment. His batting eye hasn't been quite as good this year against Double-A pitching, but his contact rate is strong, and plate discipline is unlikely to be a long-term problem for him. He has enough range for center field, but his arm is marginal for that position. He may end up in left field down the road, especially if his power blossoms.

Sizemore has a hard-nosed attitude and a strong work ethic. In Seven Skill terms, he shows good or excellent potential in all categories except throwing.

Performance
Although Sizemore's walk rate is down this year, all of his other numbers are up across the board, and his OBP remains strong. The development of his power is very promising; he is on course to set a career high in slugging percentage, and he's already exceeded his career bests in doubles and home runs.

He projects as a .260-.270 hitter at the major league level right now, but he is just 21 years old, and has a lot of time to develop. He's really improved his overall game since coming to Cleveland. Some may speculate this is because of the change of scenery or better coaching, but it could also simply be natural development.

Health record
Sizemore has had no serious health problems.

What to expect
Sizemore is one of the brightest gems in a Cleveland farm system filled with glittering jewels. At the beginning of the season, the plan was for Sizemore to spend the year in Double-A, setting him up to begin '04 in Triple-A, with a promotion to Cleveland likely once he proved himself at that level. Things are exactly on course for that outcome.

My guess is that Sizemore will get his first full opportunity at the major league level about a year from now. He should be a solid all-around player, capable of hitting for both average and power.