There seems no limit for Sizemore's stats

2/25/2009

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - All ballplayers have a statistical offensive ceiling, the intersection where potential collides with talent. Grady Sizemore may not have touched his limits.

Just 26 years old, Cleveland's supremely gifted all-star center fielder has hit at least 20 homers and stolen 20 bases in each of his four full seasons in the majors. Last year, he hit 33 homers and stole 38 bases, becoming just the second Indians player and 10th in AL history in the 30-30 club.

Only four players - Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano - have ever recorded 40 homers and 40 steals in the same season.

The 40-40 fraternity is baseball's most select brotherhood.

Can Sizemore join it?

"Oh yeah," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "Anything is possible with Grady."

Sure seems that way. Sizemore, who tracks fly balls in center field with the tenacity of an NFL linebacker, is one of the game's most well-rounded players.

LAKELAND, Fla. - Placido Polanco is in the final year of his contract with the Detroit Tigers, but neither manager Jim Leyland nor Polanco is even thinking about the 2010 season.

Polanco has been the Tigers' second baseman since he came over from the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2005 midseason. He's batted at least .295 in each of his three full seasons in Detroit and has no interest in leaving the Tigers. He expects to be back next year - and Leyland expects him back - but first Polanco must sign a contract.

"I like playing in Detroit and don't want to play anywhere else," Polanco said. "We have a great team and we can win the whole thing if we stay healthy.

"But, you know, anything can happen."