11/24/2004 4:12 PM ET
Twins ink Redmond to two-year deal
Former Marlins catcher will back up Mauer
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- By dependably filling in for injured rookie Joe Mauer
for over 100 games this season, Henry Blanco was considered one of
the Twins' unsung heroes while they netted their third American
League Central title. His performance is the reason that Minnesota
had every intention of bringing Blanco back in 2005. But when talks
stalled, the club felt it was time for Plan B.

Longtime Marlins catcher Mike Redmond was signed to a two-year free
agent contract Wednesday by the Twins to be Mauer's new backup. The
deal was reportedly worth $1.8 million.

Redmond batted .256 with two homers and 25 RBIs in 81 games with
Florida in 2004. The 33-year-old, a lifetime .284 hitter, had spent
his entire seven-year Major League career with the Marlins, earning
a World Series ring in 2003.

"We had some alternative plans in case we didn't get it done with
Henry," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. "Redmond was one of
the guys we pinpointed. He has the makeup and experience and caught
good pitchers in Florida."

Blanco was signed to catch once or twice a week, but ended up
playing a career-high 114 games while being credited for his great
handling of the pitching staff. Minnesota exercised the 33-year-
old's $750,000 option for 2005, but Blanco elected to become a free
agent after triggering a clause for passing 280 plate appearances.

When it became apparent that the Twins and Blanco couldn't come
together on a new contract sooner than later, Ryan decided to go in
another direction.

"We were concerned about being left without veteran catching," he
said.

Although Redmond isn't considered to have the arm Blanco has, he's a
better hitter and owns a very respectable .996 career fielding
percentage. He also has a reputation for strong game-calling skills.

"He's the type of guy that will fit in the clubhouse," Ryan
said. "Pitchers will like throwing to him. He'll put in a good day's
work."

Redmond will join fellow catchers Mauer, Matthew LeCroy, Rob Bowen
and recently signed Corky Miller on the Twins' 40-man roster.

Similar to Blanco last year, Minnesota's expectations are for
Redmond to catch once or twice a week. The club isn't expecting
Mauer to have durability issues with his surgically repaired left
knee, especially after the 21-year-old received positive news during
a doctor's visit on Wednesday.

Twins physician Dr. John Steubs and Minnesota Wild orthopedist Dr.
Joel Boyd, who performed Mauer's April operation, reported no
problems after their examination.

"Things are going as planned," Ryan said. "There have been no
setbacks, no swelling and no red flags. It's very encouraging. He's
making progress."

Mauer, who played just 35 games in 2004, will remain home in St.
Paul for Thanksgiving before returning to continue workouts at the
club's complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject
to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.