 |
| Dyrek And Big Papi (MGH Photo) |
According to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, the coordinator of sports medicine service for the Red Sox was the key player in landing new Boston outfielder Grady Sizemore. This is big news—after all, Red Sox medical personnel have not exactly acquitted themselves well over the last several years. The 31-year old Sizemore was "seconds" away from signing with one of many other suitors, when Dan Dyrek showed up to talk with him at the former Indian's rehab facility in Arizona. Dyrek convinced Sizemore that his rehab program—unlike any other—could get the three-time All-Star back on the field and healthy. Dyrek was so convincing that when Boston's offer finally arrived (one-year, $750,000 base; $6 million if incentives are hit), Sizemore jumped at it. This story has many of the same elements (minus the turkey and cranberry sauce) as the 2003 Thanksgiving Heist (also in Arizona) that netted the Red Sox Curt Schilling. History repeating?