Sizemore to start Opening Day for Red Sox

GRADY SIZEMORE ~ WINS CENTER FIELD JOB

RED SOX : SPRING TRAINING 2014
March 28,2014.






FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Before Friday's game against the Twins, Red Sox manager John Farrell confirmed that Grady Sizemore will be the team's starting center fielder on Opening Day.

"We came in open-minded, and he really has surpassed our expectations," said Farrell.

The 31-year-old had been a three-time All-Star center fielder with the Indians until a series of knee injuries. Little was known about what Sizemore would bring to the table when the Red Sox signed him to a one-year deal in late January after he'd been out of the Majors for two full seasons.

Sizemore has put that behind him this spring, managing to stay healthy and hit .333 in 39 at-bats, adding one home run and two RBIs. Farrell said he's been impressed with his balance and timing at the plate. Sizemore has also made a few highlight-reel grabs in center field.

Jackie Bradley Jr. was in competition with Sizemore for the center-field job, and he will now start the season with Triple-A Pawtucket.

What likely gave Sizemore the edge was his ability to stay healthy after playing three straight games earlier in the week. The team knew it would be an important test to see if he could deal with the demands of the regular season.

Even with the validation that Sizemore is physically ready for Opening Day in Baltimore, the team realizes the precautions that must be taken for a player who has had microfracture surgery on both knees.

"This is a rarity. It really speaks to his work ethic and athleticism," Farrell said. "This is why he is going north with us."