Major League Baseball

WATCH: Sizemore shines with two fantastic catches

Published Mar. 18, 2014 11:40 a.m. ET

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Connor Kiesel

A career renaissance could be in order for Grady Sizemore, who is putting together a strong spring with a new team.

Anyone who watched Sizemore during his All-Star years in Cleveland knows what the 31-year-old outfielder is capable of when healthy. He showcased those skills in the field and at the plate in a standout performance when the Red Sox took on the Cardinals Monday.

Sizemore first slams into the centerfield wall to snare Daniel Descalso's deep drive.

Even more impressive though is his sprawling effort to rob John Jay of extra bases and an RBI in the seventh inning.

Add to those three hits and three runs, and Sizemore may consider the Sox's green St. Patrick's Day gear his lucky garb. The former Indian, however, has needed no such luck this spring in his attempt to rejuvenate his career.

Sizemore, who last played a regular season game in 2011, is tearing it up with a .381 batting average and .409 on-base percentage. He has only played in seven games and back-to-backs once so far and Boston has Jackie Bradley Jr. penciled in at center field. But while manager John Farrell has said the team is still examining Sizemore's durability, he has not ruled out an Opening Day starting gig.

"I think it's a definite possibility," Farrell said to the Boston Globe's Peter Abraham.

Stamina is a valid concern with a player who, for a while, seemed to be under the knife more than on the field -- Sizemore has a total of seven surgeries on his knees, hernia and back.

But it's also important not to forget what Sizemore did do when he was healthy and in the lineup. His glory years were fruitful -- three All-Star appearances, two gold gloves and four seasons in which he received MVP votes.

"He's such a talented player, had some great years in the league. If he can get even close to what he used to be, that would be a huge bonus for us," Red Sox pitcher John Lackey said.

Sizemore was no slouch -- he was a star ravaged by a never-ending onslaught of obstacles.

Baseball players may seem like superheroes sometimes but beaten-up bodies are the ultimate kryptonite. If he can keep off the DL, Sizemore has all the potential to defy his past and prove a nemesis to new foes in the American League East.

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