"The Indians appeared to be close to re-signing Grady Sizemore on Friday night after declining to exercise his $9 million option for 2012 and instead opting to pay a $500,000 buyout.

According to at least two media outlets, including ESPN and Fox Sports, the Tribe and the 29-year-old outfielder were about to agree on a one-year deal for a relatively small guarantee plus incentives that if met would come close to equaling the value of the option.

Though it has not been spelled out anywhere, the incentives would be based on Sizemore's ability to stay off the disabled list and include bonuses for games played or at-bats.

Sizemore missed much of last season with a bone bruise in his right knee (which later required surgery) and a sports hernia after starting the season two weeks late following microfracture surgery on his left knee midway through the 2010 season.

His agent, Joe Urbon told ESPN Friday, "The Indians came to us with an aggressive offer."

Allegedly, eight teams expressed interest in signing Sizemore, though the level of interest has not been spelled out."