Redmond sets MLB record

Baseball: When Cleveland catcher Mike Redmond’s throw to second base on a Jay Bruce stolen-base attempt in the fourth inning last Saturday skipped past Mark Grudzielanek, Redmond committed his first error since July 22, 2004, a span of 253 games as a catcher that stands as a major league record.

“I don’t know what’s more amazing,” said Redmond, a former Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University standout. “That I went 253 games without an error, or that it took me six years to do it.”

Redmond (pictured above) was with the Florida Marlins the last time he made an error. Since then, he served five years as Joe Mauer’s backup in Minnesota and joined the Indians this season as the backup to Lou Marson.

The previous record of 252 was held by former Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny, who didn’t commit an error from Aug. 2, 2002, to Aug. 1, 2004. Chris Snyder of the Diamondbacks is hot on Redmond’s trail, having not committed an error since Aug. 22, 2007, a span of 229 games.

However long his record lasts, Redmond is proud of it.

“I’ve taken a lot of pride in my defense over the years,” he said. “To go that long without making an error is pretty neat. I give a lot of credit to my middle infielders, because not every one of those throws was perfect. A lot of guys picked me up and made plays that were not easy.”

MLB.com

Lightning hire Yzerman as GM

Hockey: Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman is the Tampa Bay Lightning’s new general manager, taking on the task to rebuilding a franchise that’s fallen on hard times since winning its only Stanley Cup championship six years ago.

The former Detroit Red Wings captain and executive was introduced Tuesday as Brian Lawton’s replacement during a press conference at St. Pete Times Forum. Lawton and coach Rick Tocchet were fired April 12.

“This is a long-term project for me,” Yzerman said.

Since retiring in 2006, Yzerman has worked as a vice president for the Red Wings, the only team he played for during a 22-year career in which he scored 692 goals, amassed 1,755 points and three Stanley Cup titles.

Associated Press