The Indians not so obvious question mark

You know that it's going to be a long season when the benchmarks of your 2010 ballclub are likely to be question marks. That's what the Cleveland Indians are facing in 2010 when they roll out a club that will mirror more of a quad-A minor league affiliate than a major league franchise.

The Indians Gibraltar in 2010 will likely be Grady Sizemore. The Tribe centerfielder battled injury all year, playing only 106 games before getting shut down for the season. Sizemore had elbow and hernia surgery and is rumored to be near 100%. Sizemore had his worst season in many statistical areas, but most distressing was his drop in OPS to .788. Sizemore plays the game with an unbridled fury in the field and on the basepaths.

Can Sizemore remain healthy at this stage of the game with his style of play? There's no reason to suspect that he can't. He's about to enter the prime of his career, and at 27-years-old, Sizemore is still one of the youngest stars in the majors. Still, his body broke down last season after years of plowing into walls, making hit-stealing catches and turning singles into doubles.

Will he rebound in 2010? He should, and he most definitely needs to. The Indians have enough question marks heading into the 2010 season. With all do respect to Shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera, but they don't need their best player on that list as well.

Will the Indians be competitive in 2010? Their slim chances will rest on the shoulders of Grady Sizemore.