"A sound business decision on a professional athlete with whom fans have a deep emotional connection might never be a particularly graceful parting.

Especially when the player used to be the face of the franchise. Especially when he once displayed amazing physical gifts. Especially when he represented hope for a long-elusive championship.

But if this is the end with the Indians and Grady Sizemore, this is about as graceful as it gets.

Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti said he didn't feel like he was saying good-bye Thursday when he flew to Arizona to tell the 29-year-old center fielder face-to-face that they would not be picking up his $9 million option for 2012. When the news became official Monday, Antonetti did not rule out pursing the injury-plagued Sizemore in free agency."