Sizemore, Indians agree to six-year contract

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians locked up their center field position into the next decade, agreeing Wednesday to a $23.45 million, six-year contract with Grady Sizemore.

Sizemore's deal has the most guaranteed money for a player with less than two years of major league service, $200,000 more than the Boston Red Sox guaranteed shortstop Nomar Garciaparra in a five-year deal agreed to in March 1998.

"I didn't expect it to happen this fast," Sizemore said. "Last year, I was just trying to make the team."

Sizemore's hustle and humility have made him a favorite with teammates and fans. The Indians' female fan base has taken a particular liking to him -- the team sold 200 "Mrs. Sizemore" T-shirts on the first day they were made available at Jacobs Field.

His new status as a millionaire shouldn't hurt his popularity. Sizemore gets a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $500,000 this year, $750,000 in 2007, $3 million in 2008, $4.6 million in 2009, $5.6 million in 1010 and $7.5 million in 2011.

The Indians continue to lock up their core, signing Grady Sizemore for six years. (AP)

If traded, the option becomes Sizemore's decision and the buyout is forfeited if he declines the option. He also would get a $500,000 payment if traded, and the salaries in the remaining years of the contract would increase by 10 percent.

"I'm still going to play the game the same way," Sizemore said. "I want to be here for a long time."

Sizemore has played only one full season in the majors, but the 23-year-old outfielder did enough to impress the Indians.

"He plays the game hard. He respects the game. He's a good teammate, and he's pretty good as well," team president Paul Dolan said.

Sizemore batted .289 with 22 homers and 81 RBI in 158 games last season. He also scored 111 runs, had 22 steals and became the second Indians player to record 20 doubles, 10 triples, 20 homers and 20 steals in the same season. He was the only player in the majors to reach those numbers last season.

"We are committed to building and sustaining a championship team and Grady -- as one of the most talented young players in the game today -- is the kind of player and person that can help lead us to that goal," general manager Mark Shapiro said.

The length of contract mirrors that of deals the Indians gave to shortstop Jhonny Peralta (five years, $13 million) and catcher Victor Martinez ($15.5 million for five years).