Felger & Mazz: The Grady Sizemore Experiment Is Working
BOSTON (CBS) - So far, so good for the Grady Sizemore era in Boston.
Down 3-0 in last night's game against the Rangers, Sizemore misplayed a routine, shallow fly ball in center field with two outs in the third inning that allowed Texas to score two more runs. It obviously wasn't the only reason for the loss, but it was a play to be made for sure.
Despite the blunder, the oft-injured center fielder's entry back into the big leagues has largely been a success. 98.5 The Sports Hub's Felger & Massarotti program explained why Wednesday afternoon.
"It occurred to me today ... hasn't Grady Sizemore been one of the strengths on the team?" asked Felger to start the discussion.
"I would say overall the Grady Sizemore experiment has worked thus far. It's really not all that close," added Mazz.
"I don't think there's any question about it. He's worked out. He's hitting .364. He was 3-for-4 last night. He's been good in the field, maybe not great, but good enough. The Red Sox are struggling as a team, but he's not the reason why. In fact, he's the reason why they're in some of these games," said Felger, who admits he's doing a bit of "self policing" after criticizing the Sizemore signing all offseason.
"Good job, that's a sign of maturity," joked Mazz. "Although I'm not sure I've come that far."
Jackie Bradley Jr. may be a better defensive center fielder, but there's no reason Sizemore shouldn't be in the lineup everyday. The problem becomes when Shane Victorino makes his way back from the disabled list, and who becomes "the odd man out" so to speak.
"Sizemore has been an asset. He's swung the bat better than I thought he could. He's drawing walks. He's had good at bats. The defense has slipped a little compared to where he was in Cleveland, but people shouldn't have been expecting that guy from five years ago anyway," concluded Mazz.
Listen below for the full discussion:
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