Sizemore tests knee out on bases
3/14/2011GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- A big week for Grady Sizemore started the right way Sunday as he ran the bases at the Indians' spring-training complex. If all goes well over the next few days, the Gold Glove center fielder could be playing games this weekend or early next week.
Sizemore, recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee, did three sets of base-running drills and reported his knee felt fine.
"I felt good coming into the day, so I wasn't worried about running the bases," Sizemore said. "I've been doing some simulated stuff on the grass, so I had an idea of how I'd feel.
"I started off slow, and I was able to push it toward the end."
Sizemore said the tentative schedule to start playing games is the end of this week or early next week. He has not played in a game since May 16.
"Hopefully, it will be Saturday or Sunday," he said. "If not, then Monday or Tuesday. I've got two more days of base-running. Then there's taking the field and shagging. I'll try to push it as hard I can this week to see how it reacts."
Sizemore said his knee isn't sore, but it is stiff.
"It's just a different feeling," he said. "I can't really explain what it is. I notice it in a spot, but I don't necessarily have discomfort or pain with it. It's just a matter of getting used to it, trusting it, and being able to push through whatever you're feeling."
Sizemore, in trying to gauge his speed, is looking forward to testing himself.
"I don't feel slower," he said. "I don't feel as if I've lost a step. I wouldn't say I've given it 105 percent running down to first base, but I'm pushing it to 90 ... 95 percent right now. There's not much left that I have to go through.
"For these next two base-running days, I want to push it to the max. I want to get out in the outfield and push it as hard as I can for a ball in the gap. I want to get on the bases and really stretch it out. That's my next test."
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