CLEVELAND -- Even as other teams made him offers, Grady Sizemore knew there was only one that made sense for him. Carl Nicks Womens Jersey . He still belonged with the Indians. "I wasnt ready to say goodbye and move on," he said. On Wednesday, the Indians re-signed Sizemore to a one-year, incentive-based contract, bringing the oft-injured former all-star outfielder back for another chance to become the electrifying player whose career has been derailed the past three seasons by injuries and surgeries. Sizemores journey into free agency didnt take him every far. Although there were "good offers from good organizations," Sizemore decided to stay with the one that has patiently waited for him to get healthy. "They know me better than anybody," Sizemore said. The Indians, who last month declined a US$9 million option for 2012 on Sizemore, will pay him a base salary of $5 million next season. The 29-year-old can make another $4 million based on plate appearances. The deal also includes an awards package that includes $500,000 if Sizemore is selected comeback player of the year. The performance bonuses max out with fewer plate appearances than Sizemore had in any season from 2005-08. Sizemore has undergone five surgeries, including a microfracture procedure on his left knee, the past two years and has only played in 210 games over the last three seasons because of injuries. But the Indians are confident that a healthy Sizemore can help them contend in the AL Central. "Were obviously optimistic," said general manager Chris Antonetti. "We know that when hes been on the field, hes been a very productive player. We know its not going to be for 155 or 160 games per year, but we feel optimistic Grady will get back to the point that he is a very good player for us." Following the World Series, the Indians cut ties with Sizemore by declining the option for next season, making him a free agent for the first time. Antonetti flew to Arizona to personally meet with Sizemore and explain the teams reasons for letting him go. Antonetti said the team was not closing the door on Sizemore and the Indians would gladly re-sign him -- at the right price. That gesture of loyalty, and the teams patience with Sizemore while he was hurt, meant a lot to him. As other teams made offers, the Indians stayed in touch with Sizemores representative and never wavered in their pursuit of one of the clubs most popular players. "The Indians were aggressive in wanting to keep Grady, and he has said all along he would keep an open mind toward returning," said agent Joe Urbon. "He appreciates the interest from other clubs, and he just felt that the best place to reassert himself as a great player is in Cleveland. He can stay in centre field, which is important to him, and he has enjoyed his time there. "Now, he can focus on his play without the distractions of new surroundings, and he will be a free agent again just after his 30th birthday." Sizemore acknowledged he had some doubts as he ventured into free agency unsure of his future. "I really didnt know what to expect," he said. "I was in the dark a little bit." But as the process unfolded, it became clear to Sizemore -- and the Indians -- that theyre relationship was not supposed to end. Sizemore said hes eager to put the past three years behind him and hopefully help the Indians win. "Its been frustrating," he said. "Ive always loved being a part of this organization and I never pictured myself playing anywhere else." Sizemore played in only 71 games after beginning last season on the disabled list. He made three trips to the DL and underwent right knee surgery on Oct. 3, just days after his season ended with a .224 batting average 10 homers, 32 RBIs and zero steals for the first time in his career. Sizemore is continuing to rehab his injury and believes hell be ready when spring training camp opens in February. With Sizemore back, and assuming he can stay healthy, the Indians starting outfielder appears to be settled with Sizemore in centre, Michael Brantley in left and Shin-Soo Choo in right. The club still needs to add some depth and Antonetti promised the team will continue "trying to make our ballclub better." Cleveland is looking for more offensive help, and its likely the clubs focus will be an upgrade at first base. Manager Manny Acta said incumbent first baseman Matt LaPorta will have to earn a roster spot this spring. Sizemore joined the Indians in 2002, coming over as part of the six-player blockbuster trade that sent ace Bartolo Colon to Montreal. Sizemores blend of speed and power were unlike any player in club history and hes the only Indians player with at least 100 homers, 200 doubles and 100 steals. There are skeptics who doubt Sizemore will ever play at the level he once did. Hes not worried about anything other than getting ready to play. "I want to prove to everyone that I can stay healthy and I can perform," he said. "I want to have a healthy year and get back to playing like I know I can." Johnthan Banks Jersey . Creatures of habit, the Raptors were expecting to fly out after their previous game - a hard-fought loss in Miami on Sunday - practice on Monday and shoot around ahead of an already daunting match-up with the league-best Pacers, a team they had defeated at home a week earlier. Dane Fletcher Womens Jersey . Forlan, who will fill the vacant striker spot left after Samuel Etoos departure for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, announced his departure from Atletico at a news conference Monday at the clubs Vicente Calderon stadium.BARCELONA, Spain -- Lionel Messi set another scoring record by netting a hat trick to pace Barcelonas 7-0 rout of Osasuna in the Spanish league on Sunday, ensuring the defending champions stayed in striking distance of leader Real Madrid before their critical "clasico" match next week. The three goals bring Messis career tally for Barcelona to 371 in all games -- including friendlies -- breaking the club record of 369 held by Paulino Alcantara since 1927. The 26-year-old Messi was already the clubs all-time leading scorer in official games. Messi assured Barcelonas fans they will enjoy his goals for years to come, saying "as long as people want me, I will stay here. My intention is to retire wearing the Barcelona shirt." The Argentina forward netted from close range to open the scoring at Camp Nou in the 18th minute. Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0 four minutes later before Andres Iniesta scored just his second goal of the season in the 34th. Messi struck twice more in the second half, either side of Cristian Tellos goal, to give him a team-leading 18 league goals this campaign, before he set up Pedro Rodriguez. It was Messis 20th career hat trick for Barcelona, to go with four four-goal games and one five-goal outing. Barcelona remained in third place, four points behind Madrid, ahead of their meeting in the Spanish capital next Sunday. Barcelonas big win, which matched its scoreline over Levante to start the season, came one week after it slumped to a 1-0 loss at Valladolid, which cast doubts on the teams ability to stay in the race for the league title with Madrid and second-place Atletico Madrid. But its victory midweek over Manchester City in the Champions League and this dominant performance appear to have restored its credit as a contender before Gerard Martinos team faces Madrid in a game that may go a long way to deciding the title. "We hope we can play a great game," Messi said about the upcoming clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. "We know it will be difficult, but we will do all we can to fight for the league title until the very end. Warren Sapp Womens Jersey. We received a lot of criticism after the Valladolid match. We knew we didnt play well and this (win) boosts our confidence." Also, striker Imanol Agirretxes second-half header gave Real Sociedad a 1-0 win at home over Valencia, provisionally lifting the Basque side into fifth place. Villarreal can move back ahead of Sociedad on Monday when it hosts fourth-place Athletic Bilbao. Kevin Gameiro scored a double as Sevilla eased to a 4-1 win over Valladolid at home. Ivan Rakitic and Diogo Rosario also scored for Sevilla before Javi Guerra got Valladolids consolation goal. Real Betis drew 0-0 at Elche as it remained stuck at the bottom of the standings and winless in all 14 away games this season. Osasunas away woes continued as it again proved to be far from the side that has taken points from Barcelona, Madrid and Atletico this season in Pamplona. The visitors started as the more aggressive side, but Messi quickly ended thoughts of an upset when he glanced in Alexis low cross from a tight angle. Messis goal ignited Barcelonas attack, which put on an overwhelming passing display to secure the three points before halftime. Left back Jordi Alba worked a one-two combination with Iniesta before picking Alexis out arriving to the penalty spot where the Chile forward netted his 17th league goal of the season. It was then Iniestas turn to take a rare goal with a stinging left-footed strike from outside the area that flew past goalkeeper Andres Fernandez before landing in the far corner of the net. Barcelona kept pouring it on. Dani Alves, Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta all drew saves from Fernandez on both sides of halftime, while Pedro went close twice. Messi hit again in the 63rd after he and Iniesta broke down Osasunas left flank with a series of exchanges before firing home. Tello went on in the 76th and two minutes later he lashed in a long-range shot for Barcelonas fifth to completely demoralize Osasuna before Messi scored from a pass by Dani Alves in the 88th and laid off for Pedro to round out the demolition in injury time. ' ' '
